Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
188. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a language unit will be provided in mid-County Tipperary to complement the units at Clonmel and Nenagh, both of which have long waiting lists, in order that the children of the area have an opportunity to access this important service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41704/19]
View answerMy Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD). This includes provision for the establishement of special classes for pupils with SSLD in primary schools.
The opening and retention of a Speech and Language special class is contingent upon the Health Service Executive (HSE) being in a position to provide Speech and Language therapy to the students in the class. The availability and provision of speech and language therapy is the responsibility of the HSE.
63 Specific Speech and Language Disorder special classes in mainstream primary schools will be provided for the 2019/20 school year. This compares to 60 such special classes in 2011/12. In the period 2011 to 2019, the number of SSLD special classes has ranged from 60 - 65, depending on need.
The National Council for Special Education is an independent statutory body, whose functions include planning and coordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes responsibility, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SNEOs) for establishing special classes. Applications meeting the criteria for establishment of special classes, including Specific Speech and Language special slasses are approved by the NCSE.
The NCSE continues to monitor and review the requirement for special class places in particular areas and has capacity to establish such new classes or retain current classes where necessary, subject to the willingness of schools to open/retain classes. The NCSE welcomes expressions of interest from schools in opening special classes to meet the demand for special class provision. In deciding on the location of a special class SENOs take into account both the present and the future potential need for special class provision, and they must also be satisfied that the special class is sustainable and appropriately located. SENOs liaise with relevant professionals in their area to arrive at an informed decision.
There are currently three SSLD special classes in Tipperary, two in Clonmel and one in Nenagh. As the Deputy's question refers to the provision of further SSLD classes in this area, it has been forwarded to the NCSE for direct reply.
