Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2020
92. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made since she met the Dublin 12 campaign for an ASD school (details supplied) recently on delivering on its demand for the school to be used for such a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29986/20]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. In this year's budget, more than 20% of the total Education Budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special needs, an increase from €1.9bn last year.
Notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country, including South Dublin, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. NCSE is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and others across South Dublin to bring the required additional special class and special school placements on stream.
My Department, along with the NCSE, is also actively engaging with local providers with a view to increasing the capacity of special school places in the area. I can confirm that sites such as the school to which the Deputy refers are being examined in this regard.
