Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
383. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many vacancies for special education needs organiser posts that exist in the Louth area; and when will those posts be filled, in tabular form. [13907/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent years, the NCSE has undergone a significant transformational change. This has which included a restructuring of the organisation and a 67% increase in its workforce, which combine to provide an increased and responsive support within communities.
At local level, the NCSE has doubled the number of support teams available to parents and schools, throughout the country, from a 10 team structure to a 20 team structure. All special educational needs organisers (SENO) grades are now assigned on a county basis and undertake caseloads associated with that county only, on a reduced caseload basis. In County Louth, there are four SENOs assigned to the county, all four appointments are filled.
To support these staff, additional administrative staff have also been allocated and this allows SENOs to concentrate on working directly with schools and families. This will allow for an integrated community-based service which is conducive to the development of key relationships between NCSE staff, parents, and schools in the provision of services to students with special educational needs.
The additional SENOs, additional administrative support and revised caseload allocations contribute to a comprehensive level of localised cover. Contact details for all SENOs, including the details of specific areas in Louth they cover, are available on the NCSE website.
