Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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61. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will intervene to ensure approval and that resources are allocated to allow the opening of an ASD unit at a school (details supplied). [38166/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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As you are aware 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 class and special school places are provided.

My department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability. In addition, part of the forward planning process as to where new classes, schools or expansion is required looks at how far students are travelling to access an education appropriate to their needs. This is an important factor which has been incorporated into the decision-making process as to where new classes should open or where classes are no longer required. Significant consideration is also given to the information the NCSE hold at local level on the number of children requiring a specialist placement in a region.

During the planning process a number of schools may be approached to consider opening a special class in their locality. It is preferred that schools with existing accommodation and no existing special class are given preference in this regard. This allows schools to open classes more quickly and also ensures that more schools provide specialist provision providing more diverse options for parents in their local areas. In order to ensure resources are utilised to the maximum additional classes are only sanctioned where there is known demand and where existing classes have been fully utilised. This ensures resources are allocated to classes where they required, when they are required.

The school referred to by the Deputy is an irish medium school. The school has an existing special class and had worked with the NCSE collaboratively to open a second special class if required for the coming 2025/2026 school. Recent engagement by the NCSE with the school confirms that the first special class has just filled and there is insufficient local need to open the second special class at this time.

The NCSE advise that the school's second classes is expected to open for the 2026/27 school year based on expected demand. The NCSE at a local level will also continue to monitor the situation and provide support and advice to the school as required.

Any school that opens a special class and is willing to open a second special class is to be commended.

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.