Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
418. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding or grant-aid is available from her Department for a charity called Special Heroes Ireland, which supports siblings of special needs children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2043/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides funding to all recognised schools. Significant resources are allocated to ensure that pupils with special educational needs can participate fully in education. Some €1.37 billion, which represents approximately 15% of my Department's budget, will be spent this year to ensure that such children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs. A range of supports and services are provided to schools, to enable individuals to achieve their full potential, including additional learning and resource teaching support, Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support, special transport arrangements, building adaptations, enhanced capitation, funding for the purchase of specialised equipment, services of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), enhanced levels of capitation in Special schools and Special Classes and additional teacher training.
As Special Heroes Ireland is not a recognised school as defined by the 1998 Education Act it does not, therefore, qualify for State funding directly from my Department. The Department of Education and Skills has no responsibility or mandate for providing support directly to the organisation. As the Deputy will be aware all Departments must adhere to current legislation and public financial management policies set out for each Department.
