Cathy Bennett
Ceist:164. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of additional special classes that will be opened in County Monaghan in 2025. [31316/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 12 June 2025
Ceisteanna (164)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, 399 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 6 are in County Monaghan, 4 at primary and 2 at post primary level.
This will add to the 54 special classes currently in operation in the county. One of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in Castleblaney. A former Education and Training Board (ETB) school property will be re-purposed to facilitate the opening of the new special school.
My department has requested the NCSE to work closely with schools and families to ensure that children can access these places as quickly as possible. My department has also written to all schools opening new special classes asking them to commence their admission processes as soon as possible.
Local special educational needs organisers (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.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.