Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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98. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to guarantee that an applicant (details supplied) will get a school placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43574/24]

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 and has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) has been in contact with the child's parent.

Where a parent’s preferred school may not have a vacancy to meet the specific needs of a child, supports such as free transport are provided to ensure children can access another local placement most suitable to the child’s need. The SENO has provided information in relation to other special schools in the local area and provided information and advice on other options available. The SENO remains available to provide supports to the family and provide further advice as required.

Over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year and over 300 special school places have been provided. Parents seeking special class or special school placement for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally, local SENOs remain available to provide advice and support as required.

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.