I would like to thank the deputy for question raised.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers.
The Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation model for 2024/25 is based on information from all 4,000 schools in the country. The model distributes the total available number of SET posts in line with each school’s profile of need.
The model seeks to distribute teaching resources in the fairest possible manner, taking into account as much evidence as possible in respect of individual schools and evidence in respect of the best possible use of resources. Schools must adhere to the guidance on the use of SET hours and support all children with additional teaching needs using the continuum of support framework.
The revised model is providing an annual allocation of SET teaching hours, using the best possible available data sources and is ensuring that the right resource is available at the right time to meet the needs of children with special educational needs.
I would like to advise the Deputy that Scoil Naomh Seosaimh, Ballymitty, Co. Wexford were advised when the SET Allocation Model was applied that their school educational profile warranted an increase in their allocation of Special Education Teaching hours for the 2024/25 school year to 67.5 SET hours per week. This is an increase of 12.5% on their present allocation.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including SET reviews.
As the SET review process is managed by the NCSE, I am referring your queries on the review process to them for their direct reply.
