Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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273. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider providing funding to an organisation (details supplied) who provide trained therapy dogs to schools, resulting in improved attendance and literacy levels for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51078/25]

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 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.

This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that children will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

By the end of this year there will be close to 21,000 special educational teachers and over 23,000 special needs assistants (SNAs) in our mainstream classes, special classes and special schools. This will mean we will have over 44,000 teachers and SNAs working in our education system committed to supporting and nurturing children with special educational needs, enabling them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

The NCSE is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs.

Matters in relation to the provision of health-related services to children with special educational needs should be generally directed to the Health Service Executive (HSE) or to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

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.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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274. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps taken since 1 September 2025 to address reports from parents of suspensions and inadequate provision at a designated special school in Cork; the dates of any inspections carried out since that date; the number of additional SNAs and specialist teachers allocated in response; and the timeline for the completion and publication of a full compliance report. [51081/25]

Michael 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 Department of Education and Youth works closely with school's patron who provide high-quality special education in their schools. My department has also actively engaged with parents and the school to address concerns raised.

The department’s Inspectorate has conducted several visits to the school referred to by the Deputy since its opening in 2021, including four advisory visits in 2024/25.

There are now 17 special schools in County Cork. The department has provided substantial investment and tailored supports to ensure these schools are equipped to meet the needs of their communities.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the allocation of special education resources such as special education teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs). Allocations are based on an annual review of enrolments and the profile of the students enrolled. The NCSE has confirmed to my department that school referred to by the Deputy currently has 48 students enrolled. Its resource allocation for the 2025/26 school year is 8 teachers, 1 exceptional teaching posts and 23 SNAs. 19 post-primary hours have also been allocated. All special schools are also allocated a principal and admin deputy principal post.

It is open to schools to apply to the NCSE for a review of their resource allocation if they feel an increase is required. The NCSE will examine each request individually with consideration to each school's student profile.

The NCSE continues to provide support to both schools and families and remains available to assist and advise as required. Families seeking further support can contact the NCSE directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website.

The school patron body for the school referred to by the Deputy has also introduced a range of supports for this school. Work is nearing completion of the revision of the national guidelines relating to school Codes of Behaviour with a particular focus on schools working to support 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.