Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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20. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she accepts recommendations by NCSE regarding school places; if so, if she will ensure the school building unit implement such recommendations in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23802/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I understand that this is an anxious time for parents who are seeking enrolment for their child for September and I would like to assure the Deputy that this government is determined to alleviate the pressures faced by parents when seeking a special educational placement.

My department works closely with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places.

This work involves a detailed review of statistical data to forecast demand for special class places, analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements among stakeholders and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post primary level.

The NCSE also work closely with parents of children with special educational needs to ensure that the needs of their children are known and fully understood.

Over 320 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE nationwide for the 2024/25 school year and this number will increase over the coming weeks. Of the 320 so far sanctioned 7 are in Co. Westmeath – 5 at primary level and 2 at post primary level. This will bring to 66 the number of special classes in the county.

I can also advise that my department's Planning and Building Unit continue to liaise with some schools regarding their individual accommodation requirements.

When establishing a special class, where additional accommodation is indicated as being required, an analysis of both student demand and available accommodation in an area is required. The Department and NCSE aim to provide the most immediate and child centred solution for the establishment of new special classes, and it is considered prudent to utilise existing spare classroom capacity prior to establishing a special class that may require additional accommodation e.g., modular accommodation.

This approach enables special classes to be established more quickly and means that the educational needs of children who require a specialist placement can be met more easily.

Since 2020, the government has invested in the region of €4.5 billion capital funding in our schools throughout the country.

School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places.

This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.

Just last month, my colleague Minister Foley announced 90 new school building projects, including new builds for two special schools. As part of the new mainstream school projects announced, 138 special classes are being provided.