Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.

My department's Assistive Technology Scheme provides funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. Full details of the scheme are contained in departmental circular 10/2013.

All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex learning needs who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.

Queries in relation to supports available for adult learners pursuing further and higher learning programmes should be directed to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.