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Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Questions (97)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

97. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education if she will investigate the lack of ASD unit spaces for children starting primary schools in mid-Cork; if this matter will be reviewed urgently, given that there is now a waiting list for children with diagnosed needs in all schools with ASD units in mid-Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40046/20]

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Written answers

Enabling 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 primary and post primary schools in Cork City and County in order to establish special classes in the area. Currently there are 237 special classes providing specialist ASD placements for pupils in Cork City and County who require such a place. 33 of these special classes were established for the 2020/2021 school year.

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.

The NCSE's local Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise both schools and the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: https://ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list

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