Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
164. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that emails from parents to SENOs in County Kildare are not being answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6252/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Needs Organisers (SENOs), for fulfilling the functions of the Council within a designated area in relation to the identification of and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with disabilities.
The Council employs SENOs to provide a nationwide system of local services. Locally based SENOs consult widely with parents/guardians, teachers, health care professionals, school authorities, HSE and other relevant government agencies.
SENO vacancies which occurred in the South-East region were addressed by the NCSE by running a recruitment campaign, which commenced in October 2022. A new team member joined the South East team in January 2023 and the remaining applicants are undergoing clearance.
When a vacancy arises, a SENO point of contact is assigned to the area to assist schools, parents, and local services until the position is filled. Essential services are maintained through cover provided from available staffing resources. Parents are advised to consult the regional contact list to ensure they have the most up-to-date contact details of their SENO, or the SENO covering for their area. This list can be found on the NCSE website: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
