Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2019
194. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his officials have examined the lack of space at second-level schools in Edenderry, County Offaly, for children in the town and in the catchment area who will require access to special classes at post-primary level from June 2020 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51378/19]
View answerThe provision of education for children with special needs, including those with Autism, is an ongoing priority for Government.
Currently, almost 20% of the total Education Vote or €1.9bn is invested in supporting children with special needs.
Since 2011 investment in Special Education supports has increased by 50%, which is significantly above the 7% increase in total student numbers over the same period.
As a result the numbers of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
The majority of children with Autism attend mainstream class, where they may access additional supports if required.
But some students may find it difficult to manage full-time placement in mainstream and so placement in a Special Class or Special School setting may be deemed appropriate where placement in mainstream class is not in the best interests of the child.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide and has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents.
Nationally, 167 new special classes opened this school year, which means there are 1,618 special classes in place, compared to 548 in 2011.
Of these 1,353 special classes cater for students diagnosed with ASD.
Provision in our 124 special schools has also increased from 6,848 placements in 2011 to 7,872 this year.
In Offaly alone, there are 68 special classes and 1 Special School providing specialist support to children with more complex special educational needs.
The NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and school places in Offaly to meet identified need for next year. This process is ongoing.
All schools have the contact details of their local SENO, while Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs and to identify appropriate educational placements, using the contact details available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, there is a range of supports including capital funding available to the school.
As the Deputy's question relates to the NCSE planning for special class provision in a particular school area I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
