Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

789. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the 5th autism class will open in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18788/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.

The NCSE has advised that this school has been sanctioned for an additional new special class for the 2025/26 school year. My department's Planning and Building Unit is working closely with the school regarding its accommodation needs to ensure this class can open as quickly as possible.

My department has requested the NCSE to work closely with schools and families to ensure that these children access places as quickly as possible. My department has also written to all schools opening new special classes asking them to commence their admission processes as quickly as possible.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.