Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
240. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of implementing the National Council for Special Education’s policy advice on educational provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders by extending the level of capitation to post-primary schools on the same basis as that which applies to primary schools with special classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39864/18]
View answerCapitation funding is intended to contribute towards the cost of heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep and general teaching aids required in schools.
The primary school capitation grant is €170 per pupil, subject to a minimum grant equivalent to 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are payable to Special Schools and Special Classes attached to mainstream primary schools, the rates are determined by the special education needs category of the class. The enhanced capitation rate for primary ASD special classes is €840 per pupil (inclusive of the mainstream rate of €170).
The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding.
The standard per capita grant for voluntary secondary schools is €296 per pupil. At Post Primary level, an additional enhanced capitation grant of €190 per pupil is currently only paid in respect of pupils enrolled in special classes for mild or moderate general learning disability.
The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education’s Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2016) included a recommendation to extend the enhanced level of capitation grant to post-primary schools with special classes on the same basis as primary schools to assist them with the increased running costs associated with these classes. The estimated cost of implementing this recommendation for the current school year is approximately €1.1m.
My Department has convened an Implementation Group with representatives of the NCSE, NEPS, the Inspectorate and representatives from other Departments and agencies to ensure that the Report’s recommendations are fully and appropriately considered.
While a number of the recommendations have already been partially or substantially implemented, work is planned on the implementation of the remaining recommendations.
I have asked my officials to prepare a progress report setting out expected timeframes for full implementation and I expect that report in the coming weeks.
