Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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336.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether schools (details supplied) have applied to create special education classes or for any other additional special education supports, given the demand within the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25350/24]

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.

In relation to the schools referred to by the Deputy, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised my department that the schools have not submitted applications to open special classes for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The NCSE actively encourages expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest.

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. Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally using the details on the NCSE's website.

In relation to places for the coming 2024/2025 school year, the NCSE have sanctioned just over 350 new special classes Of these, 46 are in Dublin of which 30 are at primary level and 16 at post-primary level, bringing the total number of special classes in the county to 580.

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.