Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
824. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education what is being done to ensure the provision of appropriate numbers of primary school places for children with autism in the Coolock and Darndale area; if she can provide any guidance to assure that a child (details supplied) will have an appropriate place in a local school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18996/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
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.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, 399 classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 98 are in Dublin, 79 at primary and 18 at post primary level.
This will add to the 602 special classes currently in operation in the county Dublin. There are also 40 special schools in Dublin with approximately 2,600 students enrolled. Two of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in Lucan and Belmayne also. These schools will open for enrolment shortly.
Where new special classes have been sanctioned, I would urge schools to progress the admission of students as soon as possible to ensure that the NCSE can continue to evaluate demand in local areas, sanction classes as required and assist parents in securing a school place.
Looking forward my department and the NCSE have begun preparatory work in relation to planning for the provision of further new special class and special school places for the 2026/27 school year and beyond.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
