Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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57. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the issue of a school (details supplied) in relation to the provision of a special language class for the school year 2024/2025; if she will raise the need for mediation between her Department and the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23711/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I understand that this is an anxious time for parents seeking a school place for their children and I would like to assure the Deputy that this government is determined to do all it can to help families seeking a special educational placement for their child.

My department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are aware of the situation at this school. The class in question has been established since 1995 and has supported many children throughout these years.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provide speech and language therapy to students in Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD) classes therefore the opening and retention of these classes is contingent on the availability of HSE resources. For this reason close engagement and coordination occurs among stakeholders at a local level.

The NCSE have advised my department that a number of issues emerged in discussions between the school and the HSE in relation to admissions for the class for the coming 2024/2025 school year. The NCSE has intervened to support the school and the HSE to work through these issues. A meeting is scheduled for this week and I hope that the HSE and the school can agree on an amicable resolution for all parties so the class can continue to provide much need supports for the students of the local area.