1109. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for the 1 October deadline for applications requiring a letter of eligibility from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for enrolment in special schools; if she will consider waiving or extending this deadline in exceptional circumstances, such as where a child's assessment has recently changed, thereby preventing timely applications to suitable schools, despite the child meeting all entry criteria, residing in the catchment area, and the school being deemed appropriate by their current educational setting; if there is a legislative basis for this administrative deadline, noting that no preferential treatment is being sought for the child, but rather the opportunity to apply on equal terms with other candidates to avoid delaying the child's transition to a more suitable educational environment, which is clearly not in their best interests; will she also clearly explain how the NCSE will assist parents who have missed the deadline and facilitate the issuance of eligibility letters to those who very clearly require them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74568/25]

Summary

1109. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for the 1 October deadline for applications requiring a letter of eligibility from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for enrolment in special schools; if she will consider waiving or extending this deadline in exceptional circumstances, such as where a child's assessment has recently changed, thereby preventing timely applications to suitable schools, despite the child meeting all entry criteria, residing in the catchment area, and the school being deemed appropriate by their current educational setting; if there is a legislative basis for this administrative deadline, noting that no preferential treatment is being sought for the child, but rather the opportunity to apply on equal terms with other candidates to avoid delaying the child's transition to a more suitable educational environment, which is clearly not in their best interests; will she also clearly explain how the NCSE will assist parents who have missed the deadline and facilitate the issuance of eligibility letters to those who very clearly require them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74568/25]

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• Special Educational Needs

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