Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018

Tuesday, 20 November 2018

Questions (207, 208)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

207. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit will be opened in Clonmel town to accommodate students with ASD; the level of demand expected for places in an ASD unit in the next two years; the number of places in ASD units at primary and secondary level in Clonmel town; if the number of places is sufficient to meet demand for the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47933/18]

Mattie McGrath

Question:

208. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an ASD unit will be opened in Cahir town to accommodate students with ASD; the level of demand expected for places in an ASD unit in the next two years; the number of places in ASD units at primary and secondary level in Cahir town; if the number of places is sufficient to meet demand for the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47934/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.

Funding for special education provision in 2018 will amount to some €1.75 billion, up 43% since 2011 and equivalent to 18.7% of the gross overall current allocation for education and training.  

My Department's policy is to provide for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs, including Autism (ASD), in mainstream school settings, unless such a placement would not be in the best interests of the child concerned, or the children with whom they will be educated.

The greater proportion of children with Autism attend mainstream classes, but some require the environment of a special class or special school. This decision is based on a recommendation contained within a professional assessment and in consultation with the NCSE.

Special school placements are provided for other students with ASD and very complex special needs who wouldn’t manage in a mainstream school even for part of the week.

The NCSE is responsible, through its network of Special Needs Organisers, for the development and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with Special Educational Needs, including the establishment of special class and special school placements.

Since 2011, the NCSE has increased the number of special classes from 548 in 2011 to 1,459 across the country now, of which 1,196 are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) special classes.

There are 3 special schools and 66 special classes attached to mainstream schools in Co. Tipperary. Of these, 8 are ASD early intervention classes, 32 are primary ASD classes and 18 are post primary ASD classes. The number of ASD special classes in Co. Tipperary have increased from 10 in 2011/2012 to 58 in 2018/2019. Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available on www.ncse.ie.

The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year in Co Tipperary, and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need. I have arranged for the Deputy's question on emerging need in the Clonmel and Cahir areas to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. My Department has no role in making determinations in this area.