Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Questions (810)

David Stanton

Question:

810. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children currently on the waiting list for a special school (details supplied) in County Cork; the way in which she will ensure that all children on the list will be facilitated to receive an education appropriate to their special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11888/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. Children with autism have a number of placement options including mainstream placement with support, placement in a special class in a mainstream school or placement in a special class in a special school.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

Parents may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs and to seek assistance in identifying placement options, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

The enrolment of a child to a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools and it does not maintain details of waiting lists in schools.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the NCSE is currently allocating new posts to meet the increased demand nationwide for 2015/2016 and the requirements in County Cork will be addressed as part of this process. NCSE has advised that the SENO is actively engaged with the school in question in this context.