Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
108. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the provision of ASD classes in County Carlow; specifically, the provision of an ASD class in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52732/23]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where 26% of my department’s budget will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs, representing a 5% increase on Budget 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs .
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engages intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 384 new special classes – 251 at primary and 133 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
Of these new classes, 8 are in Carlow, 6 at primary level and 2 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Co. Carlow to 53, 36 at primary and 17 at post-primary.
The NCSE actively encourages expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I commend the effort taken by boards of management when expressing their interest.
My department understands that the NCSE at local level continue to work with local schools in Co. Carlow to sanction new special classes to meet any need in the area. A number of new classes have been sanctioned for the coming school year 2024/2025. My department and the NCSE are working to sanction new classes as early as possible to allow greater certainty for schools, parents and students. This additional time will assist in terms of the admission of students, staff recruitment and training and the completion of any necessary building works in the school.
As your query refers to the provision for a particular school, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
