Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
77. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that schools that are looking to open special classes and that have a waiting list for these classes are not inhibited from doing so because of lack of physical space; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16471/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority 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.
In 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million which is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places. Only last week, my colleague Minister Foley announced plans for the roll-out of the next phase of investment in the school capital building programme. This additional funding of almost €800 million will support over 90 building projects in 2024 and 2025 including 138 additional rooms for children with special educational needs.
My department engages closely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places.
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.
Any school which seeks to open a special class or indeed a further class is to be commended. The efforts of schools in doing so is appreciated, however, it may not be possible or appropriate to open classes in every school that expresses or has previously expressed an interest. Classes not sanctioned for this coming school year, will remain as options, should need arise in later years.
Generally, demographics are falling at primary level and this trend is due to continue. Therefore, my department in conjunction with the NCSE considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing accommodation in schools, within geographic areas, in the first instance. This consideration is prior to the establishment of any additional special class that may require additional accommodation e.g., modular accommodation.
This approach enables special classes to be established more quickly as there is no requirement for additional accommodation. This means that the educational needs of children who require a specialist placement can be met more easily. It also allows for earlier reconfiguration of existing accommodation in a more streamlined and efficient manner.
This overall approach is consistent with the department’s commitment to supporting the educational needs of children who require specialist placements while at the same time meeting the requirements of the government’s infrastructure guidelines.
Where additional accommodation is indicated as being required, an analysis of both student demand and available accommodation in an area is required. In this regard, the department is working very closely with the NCSE to ensure that this required analysis is thoroughly explored with a view to providing the most immediate and cost-effective accommodation solutions for the establishment of new special classes for the 2024/25 school year.
In some instances, this analysis is complete and the appropriate accommodation solutions are being advanced. In the remaining cases, the outcome of the analysis is nearing completion and schools will be advised shortly. Local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) continue to engage with schools regarding the position and timing of the establishment of previously sanctioned new classes.
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.
