Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 February 2025
146. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD classes under construction or in planning in primary schools in Kildare south; the locations and school numbers; the expected capacity of these classes, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD classes under construction or in planning in secondary schools in Kildare south, the locations and school numbers; the expected capacity of these classes, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8381/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 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 NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
Almost 1,700 special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE in recent years, 11 new special schools have also been established and many more expanded. For this school year alone, over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned bringing the total number of special classes nationwide to 3,336 in 2024.
57 of these classes are in Kildare South, of which 5 are new special classes for the 2024/25 school year, 3 at primary level and 2 at post-primary level. Special classes generally operate on the basis of 1 teacher and at least 2 SNAs per class grouping of 6 children.
Details of schools where additional special classes are being established are attached and the tables include the totality of the special class provision that will operate in the schools when building works have been completed.
As the NCSE progress the sanctioning of new special classes over the coming weeks, they will advise parents in turn on the location of these 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.
