Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
757. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if a place in an ASD unit will be provided for a child (details supplied) as to date they have not been enrolled in any special school; the reason this vulnerable child is not receiving the level of care they urgently need; and if she will insist on the services engaging with the family. [18606/25]
View answerThis 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 National Council for Special Education (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.
My department has requested the NCSE to work closely with schools and families to ensure that children can access these places as quickly as possible. My department has also written to all schools opening new special classes asking them to commence their admission processes as soon as possible.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
