Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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176. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children in county Roscommon and Galway who are without a special class place for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26251/24]

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.

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.

In relation to places for the coming 2024/2025 school year, the NCSE have sanctioned just over 360 new special classes. For Roscommon, 7 new classes have been sanctioned, 6 at primary level and 1 at post-primary. In Galway, 19 new classes have been sanctioned, 12 at primary level and 7 at post-primary level. This brings to 48 and 168 the total number of special classes in each county respectively.

Just last week with my colleague Minister Foley, I was delighted to announce approval for a new permanent school for Ábalta Special School in Oranmore, Co. Galway. This new project will provide for a 26 classroom special school.

At national level, the NCSE have advised my department that they are working with schools to confirm some additional classes shortly to ensure that a sufficient level of provision is available. The NCSE are confident that through the provision of these new classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of 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.

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.