Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 February 2025
144. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD classes opened in primary schools in Kildare south; the locations and school numbers; the current capacity of these ASD classes; the number of children enrolled in these classes, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8378/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD classes opened in secondary schools in Kildare south; the current capacity of these ASD classes; the number of children enrolled in these classes, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8379/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive a befitting 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.
Of the 3,336 special classes nationwide, 131 are in County Kildare. 16 of these were sanctioned for the 2024/25 school year, 12 at primary level and 4 at post-primary level. the vast majority of these are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6. The attached document provides a breakdown of the primary and post-primary autism classes in County Kildare for the 2024/25 school year.
Budget 2025 provides funding for another 400 special classes and 300 special school places nationwide.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.
The NCSE continue to assess what additional provision is required in local areas and what schools have capacity to accommodate required provision for the 2025/26 school year. As the NCSE progress the sanctioning of new special classes over the coming weeks they will advise parents in turn on the location of new special classes for the 2025/26 school year.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
