Minister asked to provide special educational support for pupil in Tipperary

Tipperary TD Martin Browne has raised the situation of a Tipperary pupil in need of SNA support with the Department of Education.

Deputy Browne asked the Minister for Education through a parliamentary question if she would commit to supporting a specific pupil in Tipperary with teaching and SNA resources for their time in the school.

The deputy did provide details of the child but those are not publicly available.

Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion Hildegarde Naughton responded saying providing special education was a priority for the government.

She said most children with special educational needs are supported in mainstream classes.

Those who require more help are assisted in special schools.

Ms Naughton said five new special schools will be established, one in Tipperary.

She also said 16 new special classes have started this academic year in the county, bringing the total to 138.  

Of the new classes, 12 are at primary-level and four at post-primary level.

"The vast majority of these are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6," said Ms Naughton.

Ms Naughton said there are three special education needs organisers (SENOs) operating in Tipperary.

BUT WHERE?

Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath also submitted a question asking where the new special school would be and if it was a standalone or part of an existing school.

Ms Naughton responded:

"The exact location, size of the schools and other details are currently being worked through.

However, it is envisaged that existing buildings will be repurposed, in the first instance, to facilitate the opening of the new special schools for the 2025/26 school year. This will allow the schools to open as quickly as possible."