Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what options are available to the parents of a person (details supplied) who were not able to secure a place in a special secondary school; if her Department can offer them assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40740/24]

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 me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, 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 responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide and has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) is in contact with the family and is supporting them in seeking a suitable special class placement.

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 3,336. Of these, 602 are in County Dublin, 70 are new for the 2024/25 school year, 48 at primary level and 22 at post primary level.

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 2025/26 school year.

My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.