Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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295. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for the redesignation of schools for children with mild general learning disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27125/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive a befitting education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

Many special schools originally established under a particular designation of student need, including those providing education for students with a mild general learning disability have, and continue to diversify. These schools now respond to a broader range of students’ needs from within their respective catchment areas. This is in keeping with my departments policy on an inclusive education and facilitates students with more complex needs to be educated in their local special school. My department will continue to support special schools in this endeavour.

As more special classes are provided, particularly at post-primary level, this provides more options for children with complex special educational needs to attend local schools. It is essential that special schools work to support children with the most complex needs and that children are not required to pass one or more special schools to access a special school place, because of the narrow designation of some special schools. It is essential that we work to ensure more children requiring a special school place can access their nearest special school.

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. My Department and the NCSE will work with school patron bodies to broaden the designation of special schools over the coming years.