Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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93. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of the 36 special classes sanctioned by the NCSE for Dublin that will be opened in time to welcome pupils in September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24380/24]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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94. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide the locations and roll numbers of the 36 special classes sanctioned by the NCSE for Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24381/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.

I understand that this is an anxious time for parents who are seeking a school place for their child for September and I would like to assure the Deputy that this government is determined to alleviate the pressures faced by parents when seeking a special educational placement.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through their special educational needs organisers (SENOs) work closely with families regarding options for school placements and other special education supports. Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally using the details on the NCSE's website.

My department and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.

Attached is the list of the 36 new special classes sanctioned in county Dublin for the 2024/25 school year as of 21 May 2024. The NCSE continue to sanction some additional classes for the coming school year and is engaged in ongoing discussions with some schools in county Dublin and other areas. As new classes are sanctioned, the NCSE will support families to make applications for places.

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.

">List Of Special Classes