Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2020
165. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) has been allocated a roll number; if a patron has been allocated in view of the fact there is a patron ready to take up this role; and the stage of the process to open the school as an autism-specific school in 2021. [30432/20]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. Currently, almost 20% of the total Education Vote or €1.9bn is invested in supporting children with special needs.
Notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some areas of the country, including areas of South Dublin where my Department is seeking to establish additional special school schools.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for co-ordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. The NCSE is working with schools, patron bodies, parents and others in Cork to bring the additional special education placements on stream. The NCSE has identified the need for additional special school places in South Dublin and work is currently underway to make the additional provision.
My Department, along with the NCSE, is actively engaging with local providers with a view to increasing the capacity of special school places in this area. The accommodation which the Deputy references forms part of this engagement.
I can also assure the Deputy that delivery of the necessary additional provision is being progressed as an absolute priority.
