Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
298. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if additional resources will be provided to schools in the Fingal local authority area to allow for the expansion of school places and classes for children with special educational needs; if particular focus will be given to accommodating children with special educational needs who do not have a school place for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22534/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. 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 classes and special school places are provided.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. Work on the provision of new special classes is well advanced ahead of the 2024/25 school year. Forward planning work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning over 320 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE nationwide for the 2024/25 school year, and of these 36 are in County Dublin. While the vast majority of new special classes for the coming school year have now been sanctioned by the NCSE, they will continue to sanction some further new classes for the 2024/25 school year. A list of the location of new classes will be published by the NCSE shortly.
The NCSE have advised my department that they are actively working on enhancing capacity in the local area and remain available to assist and advise the parent of students with special educational need.
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.
