Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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833.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans with respect to the education of teachers, SNAs and others employed in education settings around foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in advance of the coming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33020/24]

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).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

The NCSE Support Service manages, co-ordinates and develops a range of supports in response to identified teacher training needs.

Through its everyday work, the NCSE aligns its teacher professional learning (TPL) with the Teaching Council’s national framework for teacher professional learning. One of the main aims of the NCSE is to support teachers and schools in a way that builds capacity, supports the inclusion of all children, including students with special educational needs, at a whole school level.

The NCSE provides a suite of professional learning opportunities for school leaders and teachers, which in turn, aims to improve educational experiences and outcomes for all students. In the past number of months the NCSE has engaged with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Ireland, and this has resulted in a heightened awareness and the upskilling of NCSE staff on the disorder and the learning needs associated with it.

The NCSE offers bespoke in-school support for either whole school staff, small groups, or individual teachers. The support can be tailored to specific TPL needs within a school. Schools seeking tailored or specific training should contact the NCSE locally to arrange such supports.