Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
226. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if she will investigate the lack of ASD unit spaces for children starting primary school (details supplied); and if this matter can be reviewed urgently as there is now a waiting list of children with diagnosed needs without the required spaces. [37603/20]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. Next year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs.
This investment will support the provision of over 1,200 additional special class places.
Notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country, including the area referenced by the Deputy, 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. Through better planning at both national and local level, it is my objective that specialist education places should come on stream to meet emerging demand on a timely basis.
The NCSE is actively working with schools in the North Wicklow area to establish special classes in the area. It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE to open a special class. The active collaboration of school communities is vital to the effective inclusion of students with special educational needs.
NCSE has advised that there are currently 7 special classes in primary schools supporting students with autism in the town of Greystones and the surrounding areas. I am also aware that additional special class places will become available when one of the schools in the town moves to permanent accommodation. I can assure the Deputy that this is being progressed as quickly as possible.
Parents should also be advised to contact their local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) if they experience any difficulty in getting a suitable placement.
