Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1001. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special education needs organisers in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29964/22]

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1002. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special education needs organisers in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29965/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1001 and 1002 together.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is a statutory body established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004. It was set up to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities, with particular emphasis on children.

NCSE has responsibility for co-ordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide in line with my Department's policies.

NCSE has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

Over the last two years, my Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special needs placements ahead of each new school-year.

As the Deputy’s question relates to the NCSE, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.