Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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615. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special classes for children with intellectual disabilities in each primary school in Kildare north specifically; the number of children attending these schools from Kildare north specifically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24320/25]

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.

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 .

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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616. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to prioritise children in local areas in the allocation of placements in special schools and classes within their communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24321/25]

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.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018.

Under the provisions of this act, all schools are required to have admissions policies which have been approved by the patron following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. It is a key requirement of the act that all school admission policies are fair and transparent.

Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available for the relevant year, the student should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some students not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs. The NCSE is working closely with schools opening new special classes to support them in commencing admission processes and making them aware of local children known to the NCSE who require a special class place.