Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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184. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children with additional or special needs in each county that are waiting enrolment in a school; the number therein waiting enrolment at primary or secondary level, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38635/24]

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children with special needs who are yet to secure a school place for the school year 2024-2025, per county. [38771/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 199 together.

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 bringing the total number of special classes nationwide to 3,335 - 2,338 at primary level and 997 at post-primary level.

The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs and is working intensely with a small number of schools where additional capacity was established over the summer period in North Dublin 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.

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. The number of SENOs has increased from 65 to 120 at the start of this school year and the NCSE plan to undertake almost 800 school planning visits through September and October. These visits will consider the forward planning of special education provision for the 2025/2026 school year.