Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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671. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a response will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied) and this Deputy regarding a child's special education school placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30503/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an appropriate 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 NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. Deputies are welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.

The NCSE has advised that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) is working closely with the student’s family regarding options for school placements and other special education supports for the coming academic year. The SENO remains available to assist and provide advice to the family as required and will keep them updated as progress is made.

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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672. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated first- and full-year cost of increasing the number of special needs teachers by 500, 1,000 and 1,500 respectively, in tabular form. [30504/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The estimated full-year cost of a new entrant special education teacher is €56,110 per annum within a primary setting and €56,510 in a post-primary setting.

The estimated full-year cost of a special education teacher on average is €76,350 per annum within a primary setting and €78,490 in a post-primary setting. This includes provision for related substitution costs and employer PRSI.

My department and the National Council for Special Education 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.