Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I understand that this is an anxious time for parents who are seeking a school place 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.

In relation to the child referred to by the Deputy, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) has been in ongoing communication with the family in relation to special class placement options.

It is understood that the family recently relocated to the area and contacted the NCSE for support in accessing a school place. The NCSE will support the family in considering available special class placements or alternatively can look to provide supports for the child in a mainstream class settings.

My department and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.

In relation to places for the coming 2024/2025 school year, the NCSE have sanctioned just over 360 new special classes. The NCSE expect to confirm some additional classes very shortly to ensure that a sufficient level of provision is available to meet the needs of children known to the NCSE. The NCSE are now confident that through the provision of these classes and some vacancies in existing classes there are sufficient places to meet the needs of children known to them for September 2024.

I have asked the NCSE to ensure classes are established as a matter of urgency and to keep all families seeking class places updated on an ongoing basis to ensure their children can access the provision to which they are entitled.

I referenced earlier that this government is committed to alleviating the pressures faced by parents seeking a special educational placement.

Significant additional resources and funding of €13 million have been allocated to the NCSE to allow for the expansion of its services, which will bolster the level of service and provide effective structures to relieve pressure on parents.

This funding has allowed for, among other things, a significant increase in the number of SENOs which will increase from 73 to 120 by next September. These SENOs will work closely with children, their families and schools on the ground in order to provide the necessary supports.

Additional administrative support staff, team managers and other professionals are also being employed to allow SENOs concentrate on working directly with schools and families.