Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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655.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 2 July 2024, if a school placement will be expedited for a child (details supplied). [31560/24]

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.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) is working closely with the family regarding options for school placements for the student.

The NCSE remains fully committed to supporting the family in their efforts to secure a suitable educational placement for the student. They are in ongoing contact with the relevant schools and will continue assisting the family until an appropriate placement is secured.

As Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, I am determined to ensure that all children who require a placement can access this as quickly as possible. I am meeting with NCSE every week to discuss progress being made and work plans to ensure that every child has a school place for the coming term.

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 this pressure on parents.

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