Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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181. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students in Kerry that are deaf and hard of hearing in post-primary schools; the number of special education classes that are currently available; the plans she has to make additional special education classes available during the next school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22398/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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My department, either directly or through the National Council for Special Education, provides a range of supports in schools supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. My department provides funding to the NCSE to provide supports which includes the visiting teacher service. The number of Visiting Teachers (VTs) has recently increased by 5 posts nationally from 29 to 34. This increase has resulted in a reduction nationally of the VTs’ caseloads.

The VT in Kerry currently supports 50 Children and Young People who are Deaf/Hard of hearing (DHH) across the three sectors (Early years, primary and post-primary schools), from the age of diagnosis to the end of second level education.

These students would have varying degrees of DHH. The VTs strive to give the students with the greatest level of need the greatest level of support. A student can move up and down the level of support required depending on a number of factors such as: being in an exam year, transitioning settings, new technology, and a number of other factors.

Officials from the NCSE are aware of a number of students who are DHH in Co Kerry who may be seeking a placement in a special class for DHH students in a post-primary setting in September 2025. The NCSE have been actively engaging with post-primary schools as regards the possibility of opening a special class for DHH students. Some schools have expressed an interest in providing this class and the NCSE are considering the most suitable location.

Once a location for the post-primary class(es) has been confirmed, the relevant NCSE Visiting Teacher will provide comprehensive support to students in the transition process, in conjunction with other NCSE colleagues such as the ISL Advisors.

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