Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
419. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools involved in the pilot scheme for the new special educational needs model; if she will commit to ensure no new model is introduced until all concerns with regard to any new model have been addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19304/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I recently announced that I am not proposing to change the way resource teachers are allocated to schools to support children with Special Educational Needs for the coming school year.
Through consultations, there was a broad welcome for the proposed new model from Parents, disability groups, schools and stakeholders. However, there has not been sufficient time to address all of the concerns which have been raised in advance of the 2015 school year.
I have asked my Department to design a pilot of the new model, which schools could opt into on a voluntary basis.
My Department, in conjunction with the National Council for Special Education and the Educational Research Centre, is currently designing a pilot, which could consider the impact of the proposed new model on schools.
Consultation will take place with education partners in the near future, following which the number of schools involved and the timeframe for the establishment of the pilot will be established.
Following the conclusion of the Pilot and in advance of the introduction of the New Model my Department will again consult with Management Bodies and other stakeholders.
