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Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Ceisteanna (217)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

217. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools that have ASD units in the Clontarf, Killester, Raheny school planning area; the number of new ASD which have been approved to open in the area; the expected date of opening of these additional units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44698/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:

Enabling 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 1,126 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs.

This will mean there will be close to 20,000 teachers and over 21,000 SNAs working in the area of special education. Together we will have over 40,000 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 over the last four years and seven new special schools established in recent years.

My department engage intensely 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, a review 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 this school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.

Along with the two new special schools, 389 new special classes – 252 at primary and 137 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening.

Of these, 77 new special classes have been sanctioned in Dublin, 51 at primary level and 26 at post-primary level, bringing the total number of special classes in Co. Dublin to 540.

- In relation to the specific planning area referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised that there are 20 special classes sanctioned for that planning area at primary level for the 2023/24 school year.

• 17 of the 20 classes cater for students with Autism.

• 2 of the 20 classes are ASD Early Intervention classes.

• 1 of the 20 classes cater for students with Mild General Learning Disability.

The 17 classes that cater for Autism are provided in 9 schools and 1 of the 17 classes was newly sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2023/24 school year.

Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for the 2024/25 school year.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.

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