Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
234. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to address the shortage of ASD units in west County Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41054/20]
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 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 Cork, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
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 National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. The NCSE is working with schools, patron bodies, parents and others in Cork to ensure there are sufficient special education placements to meet local need. However, there are no plans for a new special school in the area at this time.
NCSE is actively working with primary and post primary schools in Cork 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.
I understood that a school in the area has opened a new special class which may cater for children who currently do not have a suitable placement. My Department has no role in sanctioning new special classes and accordingly, I have referred the question to the NCSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
The pupil referred to by the Deputy would be eligible for transport if availing of placement in nearest ASD special class.
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.
