Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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419. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a new special educational needs organiser will be appointed to the Carlow area following the vacancy arising (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8635/23]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Needs Organisers (SENOs), for fulfilling the functions of the Council within a designated area in relation to the identification of and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with disabilities.

The Council employs SENOs to provide a nationwide system of local services. Locally based SENOs consult widely with parents/guardians, teachers, health care professionals, school authorities, HSE and other relevant government agencies.

The NCSE have informed my department that they are currently running a competition for the position in the Carlow area with a closing date of March 1st for the receipt of applications. The NCSE have assured my department that the vacancy will be filled as soon as possible once the recruitment process is complete.

It should be noted that when a vacancy arises, a SENO point of contact is assigned to the area to assist schools, parents, and local services until the position is filled. Essential services are maintained through cover provided from available staffing resources. Parents should consult the regional contact list on the NCSE website to ensure they have the most up-to-date contact details of their SENO, or the SENO covering for their area.