Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

558. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in the Celbridge and north Kildare area that expressed an interest in opening a specialist class in the past academic year; the number of these applications that were refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23281/25]

Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

559. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in Celbridge and north Kildare that were approached by the National Council for Special Education to open a specialist class; the percentage of those schools declined; and if the Department provide insight into the reasons given for these refusals. [23282/25]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 559 together.

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 is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I have forwarded this issue to them for their attention and direct reply.

Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.