Minister says 76 special classes to open in Cork
In a written answer, Ms Madigan said that “enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government”.
SEVENTY-SIX new special classes will open in Cork schools this year, 52 at primary schools and 24 at secondary schools, the minister of state with responsibility for special education and inclusion has confirmed.
The figures were supplied as part of an answer from Josepha Madigan to Cork North Central Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O’Sullivan.
He had asked for engagement with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regarding the urgent need for a school place for a specific child.
In a written answer, Ms Madigan said that “enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government”.
Ms Madigan said that over the last four years, almost 1,300 new special classes have been sanctioned and seven new special schools established.
“In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs,” she said.
The department engages “intensely” with the NCSE about new special classes and special school places, she said.
“As a result of this forward planning, two new special schools have been established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
“Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 390 new special classes — 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level — have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
“Of these 76 are in Cork, 52 at primary, and 24 at post-primary level. This brings to 496 the number of special classes in Co Cork, 351 at primary level and 145 at post-primary level.”
She added that in relation to the child Mr O’Sullivan had mentioned in his question, the NCSE regional team is continuing to work closely with the family, and “a number of State agencies have been involved in supporting efforts to reintegrate the student into their existing school placement”.
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