James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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321. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal by school (details supplied) for an increase in its current specialist subject hours; to confirm that this appeal is currently under consideration; the timeline for a decision to be returned to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29400/24]

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).

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the provisions within Circular 28/2024 which issued earlier this year to special schools. The circular set out the arrangements to apply for the application of the additional targeted supports for special schools announced in Budget 2024. This included an additional allocation of teaching posts targeted at special schools with post primary aged students.

In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that my officials have been in direct contact with the school to clarify the position. The appeal from the school has been received and a formal response will issue in the coming days.

I should also state that it is intended that the arrangements set out in this circular, applicable to the allocation of the additional post-primary teaching posts in special schools, will be reviewed after a period of 2 years i.e. at the end of the 2025/2026 school-year.

In addition, the NCSE continue to review the profile of disabilities of students attending special schools, and the consequent staffing allocations, in order to reflect changing enrolments.