Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
63. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the findings of the National Council for Special Education report, Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs in Schools, which highlighted concerns at the length of time many parents have to wait for a diagnosis to assess their child's individual needs and learning capacity; and the way his Department plans to address this issue. [25396/13]
View answerThe NCSE Report on Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs in schools makes clear that there are many aspects of the current system which parents and schools are very happy with. However, the report notes concerns in relation to some aspects of our current system, including in relation to the length of time some parents may have to wait for an assessment in order to determine their child's individual educational or care needs. The report recommends that proposals for a new resource allocation model should be developed by the NCSE, so that schools may be allocated additional teaching resources to support children in line with their level of educational need, rather than by a diagnosed disability category. I have requested the NCSE to develop a proposal for a revised Allocation Model for further consideration. In making any changes to our supports for children with special needs, consultation will be a key aspect in the implementation of any recommendations.
