Written answers

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Department of Education and Skills

Departmental Policies

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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402. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the sanctioning of an ASD classroom for a school in Wicklow town (details supplied) was cancelled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36078/25]

Photo of Michael MoynihanMichael 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 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.

The NCSE acknowledge that circumstances may change, and these schools will remain as potential options for future classes. Schools not sanctioned this year, such as the school referred to, 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 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.

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