Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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330. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she would consider a special class for autistic learners in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31390/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, 399 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 18 are in County Kerry, 9 at primary and 9 at post primary level. In regards to the school referred to by the deputy a new class is sanctioned for 2025/26.

This will add to the 98 special classes currently in operation in the county. There are also 3 special schools in Co. Kerry with approximately 288 students enrolled.

The NCSE actively encourage expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest. However, it is not always possible to open a special class in every school that expresses an interest.

When assessing the needs in the local area, the NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies or capacity and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data.

Schools not sanctioned this year, such as the school referred to by the Deputy will remain as a potential option for future classes. Local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.