Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (303)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

303. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that special educational needs supports have been withdrawn from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1, on the basis that the supports are only provided to primary and special schools, yet this school has a roll number as provided to all primary and special schools, compiles the annual statistical returns for special schools to his Department annually, is classified as a special school on his Departments website, received a new building under the primary and special school building unit and adheres to the rules and regulations for national schools; and if he will take corrective action to remedy this situation. [25952/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the facility which she refers to in her question provides a two-year pre-school programme which caters for 3-5 year old children. The Pre-School project referred to is not a designated Primary or Special School, but a stand-alone project in receipt of an individual resourcing mechanism which is separate to the resourcing arrangements which apply to mainstream and Special schools, including supports which are provided to mainstream and Special schools to support pupils with special educational needs.

The Pre-School referred to by the Deputy in her question is in receipt of significant supports from my Department. In 2012 my Department provided support to the value of approximately €740,000 to this Pre-School. The provision included staffing of an Administrative Principal, 6 teachers and 5 child care workers catering for 95 children, a pupil to adult ratio of approximately 8:1. In addition to the teaching and child care provision, the project receives an annual grant from my Department to fund non-teaching pay costs which provides for the employment of a cook, cleaner and a secretary. My Department also provides funding towards the non-pay or running costs of the project. Finally, I wish to clarify that the funding awarded to the Project is based on budget proposals submitted by the each year. The funding awarded by my Department for 2012 matched the proposals submitted.