Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
433. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that the long-promised new autism unit at a school (details supplied) will open as planned at the beginning of the 2025/2026 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32364/25]
View answerThis 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 school referred to has building works ongoing which is due to be completed in time for September. I believe this new building will provide accommodation for two special classes. The school already has one class in operation, the another special class has not been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year.
The NCSE has advised that at this time there remains sufficient capacity locally to meet known demand, therefore the second class will not progress for the upcoming school year. The school will however, remain as an option into the future as required by known local demand.
It is important that classes are sanctioned in schools where there is known local demand. This ensures children requiring placement can be accommodated in their local school and do not have to travel long distances in order to access an appropriate education.
The NCSE continue to monitor the situation at a local level and will sanction additional classes as demand requires. My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
