Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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309. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41393/24]

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 this school has expressed an interest in opening a special class. The NCSE is currently assessing the needs in the local area and available accommodation options and the school will be notified as soon as possible if a special class can be established.

The NCSE actively encourages expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.

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, 59 are in County Cavan, 7 are new for the 2024/25 school year, 6 at primary level and 1 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.