Róisín Shortall
Question:199. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils attending special needs primary schools in each of the years since 2019, in tabular form. [23477/24]
View answerThursday, 23 May 2024
Questions (199, 200)
Róisín Shortall
Question:200. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils attending special needs post-primary schools in each of the years since 2019, in tabular [23478/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
It is important to remember that the vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers where supports such as special education teachers and special needs assistants are made available. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
The number of students enrolled in special classes in mainstream primary and post-primary schools is reported annually by my department through the Indicators report which is available on gov.ie
The table below outlines these details.
|
Year |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Students in special classes in mainstream primary schools |
6,822 |
7,510 |
8,740 |
10,123 |
|
Students in special classes in mainstream post-primary schools |
2,406 |
2,856 |
3,178 |
4,028 |
Figures for 2023 will be published in the Indicators report when available.
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.
Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 199.
Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 198.