Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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274.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a child (details supplied) will be granted a special school place. [24738/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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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.

Over 350 new special classes have been sanctioned by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for the 2024/25 school year. Of these, 46 are in Dublin, 30 are at primary level and 16 at post-primary, bringing the total number of special classes in the county to 580. Capacity has also been expanded in a number of special schools. Some additional primary special classes will be confirmed by the NCSE very shortly.

The NCSE are confident that through the provision of these new classes and some vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of all children known to them for September 2024.

I have asked the NCSE to ensure these classes are established as a matter of urgency and to keep all families seeking class places updated on an ongoing basis to ensure their children can access the provision to which they are entitled. As your query refers to an individual placement, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE’s website.

I referenced earlier that this government is committed to alleviating the pressures faced by parents seeking a special educational placement.

Significant additional resources and funding of €13 million have been allocated to the NCSE to allow for the expansion of its services, which will bolster the level of service and provide effective structures to relieve pressure on parents.

This funding has allowed for, among other things, a significant increase in the number of SENOs which will increase from 73 to 120 by next September. These SENOs will work closely with children, their families and schools on the ground in order to provide the necessary supports.

Additional administrative support staff, team managers and other professionals are also being employed to allow SENOs concentrate on working directly with schools and families.