Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2025
76. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will address concerns raised by a school (details supplied) with respect to SET hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34671/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
Schools received notification of their special education teaching (SET) allocation for the 2025/26 school year in February 2025. Schools were informed of the review process with this notification.
The NCSE has advised that the SET allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy remains unchanged for the new school year. In addition, no review has been requested by the school to date.
Any school who has any concerns on their allocation can engage with the NCSE. The NCSE will provide support to schools as required and will examine if the allocation is sufficient to meet the identified needs of all children and young people enrolled.
Where the NCSE identifies the need for additional resources, my department will immediately approve the identified increase so that it is available to the school ahead of the 2025/26 school year.
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.
