Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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119. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary school pupils presently accommodated in an special class (details supplied); the number of children on a waiting list for the school in question; the steps she is taking to address the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18666/22]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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120. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary school pupils presently accommodated in a special class (details supplied); the number of children on a waiting list for the school in question; the steps she is taking to address the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18667/22]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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121. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary school pupils presently accommodated in a special class (details supplied); the number of children on a waiting list for the school in question; the steps she is taking to address the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18668/22]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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122. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary school pupils presently accommodated in a special class (details supplied); the number of children on a waiting list for the school in question; the steps she is taking to address the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18669/22]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary school pupils presently accommodated in a special class (details supplied); the number of children on a waiting list for the school in question; the steps she is taking to address the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18670/22]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary school pupils presently accommodated in a special class (details supplied); the number of children on a waiting list for the school in question; the steps she is taking to address the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18671/22]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary school pupils presently accommodated in a special class (details supplied); the number of children on a waiting list for the school in question; the steps she is taking to address the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18672/22]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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126. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary school pupils presently accommodated in a special class (details supplied); the number of children on a waiting list for the school in question; the steps she is taking to address the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18673/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and 126 together.

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.

This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.

It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.

The NCSE through their network of SENOs (Special Educational Needs Organisers) are currently engaged in a process of establishing new classes for the 2022/2023 school year and beyond. They are looking at local information in relation to projected demand for future special class places.

The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-servic.

I should clarify, however, that the NCSE does not maintain waiting lists for schools. Boards of management of individual schools are responsible for such enrolment matters.

As the Deputy's queries refer to individual schools, I will arrange to have them referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.