Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
316. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the special educational needs organiser, SENO, that has been allocated to west Wicklow, including Donard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31931/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent years, the NCSE has undergone a significant transformational change. This has 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 increased the number of SENOs to approximately 120, from the previously sanctioned 73, and 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. There are five SENOs assigned to county Wicklow.
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 are available on the NCSE website.
