Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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524.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the NCSE has engaged with a school (details supplied) with a view to providing special classes, given that there are no second level special education classes available in Skerries; if the NCSE has directly asked the school to provide special education classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[34180/24]

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 has advised my Department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) has been in contact with this school on a number of occasions regarding an expression of interest to open a special class. The SENO has also engaged with a number of parents in the Skerries area and its surrounds and remains available to assist and provide advice to both the school and parents as required.

The NCSE will be undertaking planning visits to schools during term 1 of this school year to assist with the forward planning of special class provision for the 2025/2026 school year.

Over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.