Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in light of the State’s obligations under the Constitution and under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, how the Department justifies the continued lack of access to a school place for a child with a disability, where over 180 public schools have been contacted without success, and no public school place has been provided; to outline the immediate measures being taken to address the needs of this child; the reason no state funding is being provided towards fees at a private school that has accepted the child, despite the availability of a home tuition grant intended to support children unable to access public education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26569/25]

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 oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.

The majority of children with special education needs in this country are supported by their classroom teachers, special education teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to attend mainstream classes with their peers. This is considered the most inclusive environment for children with special education needs and ensures that children can attend their local school.

Parents seeking special class or special school 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 ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will be opening an ASD class in the 2025-2026 academic year; if not, if the school will be opening one for the 2026-2027 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26570/25]

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 oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.