Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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272. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will prioritise the provision of an ASD unit in a school (details supplied). [44476/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:

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 a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.

This includes additional teaching and care supports.

As a result, the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.

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

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. My Department and the NCSE continue to work very closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand.

I am satisfied that this more joined up approach is delivering. Through this intensive intervention, we have seen 383 new special classes open, bringing the total of special classes to 2535 opened nationwide for the 2022/23 school year. The 383 new special classes for 22/23 is broken down by 253 at primary and 130 at post-primary.

The list of classes for the 22/23 school year is available on the NCSE website (as of 6th July) and is available at the link below.

06Jul22_Special-Classes-for-publication-2022_2023.pdf (ncse.ie)

The NCSE has engaged with the school regarding their interest in establishing a special class. While the NCSE is always grateful to schools who express a willingness to open a special class, the NCSE must be satisfied that the number of students seeking a special class placement cannot be catered for in already established special classes within an area before sanction can be given.

The NCSE remains available to the school and to local parents to offer advice and assistance.