Alan Dillon
Question:205. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education for an update on an application for an autism class by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27140/24]
View answerTuesday, 25 June 2024
Questions (205)
Written answers
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.
The NCSE have confirmed that the school referred to by the Deputy currently have one autism class. There are currently four students enrolled in this class and two places are available for 2024/25 school year. At this time there is no indication that a class will be required for the 2024/25 school year in this school.
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 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.