Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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333.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any plans in place for the provision of an extra special needs classroom in the Greystones area; when that room will be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25342/24]

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).

Over 350 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year. Of these, 12 are in Wicklow, 9 are at primary level and 3 at post-primary, this brings the total number of special classes in the county to 116 of which 11 are in the Greystones area. The NCSE continue to engage with some schools where additional provision is required and this includes the Greystones area. The NCSE expect to confirm any additional classes very shortly.

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.

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

My department and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, while this work is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year, work continues on planning for the provision and supports required for future years.

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.