Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2024
202. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a list of all schools in County Mayo to be sanctioned autism/autism spectrum disorder classes for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27137/24]
View answer203. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a list of all schools in County Mayo that have applied for autism/autism spectrum disorder classes for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27138/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 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).
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 and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.
381 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year. Of these, 8 are in County Mayo, 3 at primary level and 5 at post-primary. This brings the overall number of special classes in the county to 73. The vast majority of these are autism classes. Attached is a list of these classes.
The NCSE expect to confirm some additional classes shortly to ensure that a sufficient level of provision is available. The NCSE is confident that through the provision of these classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of all children known to them for September 2024.
I have asked the NCSE to ensure classes are established as a matter of urgency and to keep all families seeking class places updated on an ongoing basis to ensure their children can access the provision to which they are entitled.
