Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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322. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to respond to correspondence regarding autism class funding (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22975/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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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 confirmed that the school referred to by the Deputy has three special classes, the most recent was sanctioned for the 2024/25 school year. As part of Circular 0080/2024, new streamlined arrangements have been put in place in order to support the re-purposing of existing accommodation to facilitate the opening of new special classes for the 2025/26 school year. This includes a new start-up grant of €30,000.

Schools that the NCSE has sanctioned the opening of special classes for the current 2024/25 school year are dealt with under the existing arrangements.

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.