Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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99. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how many SENOs are currently working in North Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22674/23]

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.

SENOs are assigned by region, rather than on a county basis. The North Kildare area falls under South East Team 2, which currently comprises 3.5 SENOs, team manager and regional manager. The recent SENO recruitment competition, which concluded last month, has led to the NCSE extending offers of employment to successful candidates. Consequently, newly appointed SENOs are expected to be assigned to schools across Kildare shortly.

In addition, where a SENO vacancy arises, a SENO point of contact is assigned to the area to assist schools, parents and local services until the position is filed. Essential services are maintained through cover provided from available staff resources. If parents are unsure of the SENO for their area, they can contact the team manager for the region, who will be able to inform them of the SENO’s details providing interim cover. A list of Regional Manager, Team Manager, and SENO contact details can be found on the regional contact list on the NCSE website.

It is a priority that the NCSE is properly resourced to have a visible and effective presence in our schools and to guide and support our parents and children on their educational journey. The funding announced in budget 2023 will see an increase of over 50% in overall staffing levels in the NCSE, with an up to 60% increase in the case of SENOs. The overall increase will provide for an additional 161 staff in front line and administrative posts. This commitment will rise to a €13 million investment in a full year and will ensure it can continue to deliver to deliver real and meaningful supports for children, families and schools. The NCSE is engaged with the planning process in respect of the expanded headcount and service delivery on foot of Budget 2023 announcement. This process will establish the priorities, work program and critical path activities to be undertaken in parallel by NCSE and the Department, to give effect to the recent budgetary announcement whilst also ensuring current service delivery is maintained.