Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

645.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 366 of 30 March 2024 and 167 of 18 June 2024, to examine a case whereby a child (details supplied) still has to receive a secondary school place in a special education school for the 2024 2025 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[35365/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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

The NCSE has advised my department that their special educational needs organiser (SENO), has been in contact with the family and has provided details of special schools and special classes with vacancies for their consideration.

The NCSE is working intensely with some schools to ensure that admission processes are completed and that any remaining places created are offered to students without delay. The NCSE continue to update families on this work on a regular basis and remains available to assist and provide advice to parents.

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.