Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new special school for Lucan, which is due to be established in Griffeen; the expected timeframe for completion and opening date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22548/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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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.

As you are aware five new special schools will be established for the next school year, two in County Dublin and one each in counties Cork, Monaghan and Tipperary. Dedicated working groups have been established by my department to work through the details in relation to the establishment of the new special schools.

Lucan Community Special School school will initially enrol 30 students. It is expected that this school will enrol children aged between 4 and 18 who have a diagnosis of autism and complex learning needs or have complex learning needs and a recommendation for a special school placement.

The patron, Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board, is progressing the recruitment of a school principal. The school’s admissions process is also expected to commence shortly. The former Lucan East Educate Together National School building will be re-purposed to facilitate the opening of the new special school.

Special schools generally operate on the basis of one teacher and at least two special needs assistants (SNAs) per class grouping of six children. Further supports can be provided if required to meet the needs of the children enrolling in the school.

Parents and families looking to apply for admission to the new special school will be supported and guided by the NCSE at a local level and kept updated on developments.

Parents seeking placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.

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.