Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (362, 363, 364, 365)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

362. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education the number of autism spectrum disorder, ASD, classroom spaces available in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42024/20]

Jackie Cahill

Question:

363. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD classroom spaces that will be available in County Tipperary for the 2021-2022 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42025/20]

Jackie Cahill

Question:

364. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD classroom spaces available in the catchment area associated with a preschool (details supplied). [42026/20]

Jackie Cahill

Question:

365. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD classroom spaces that will be available in the catchment area associated with a preschool (details supplied) for the 2021-2022 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42027/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 to 365, inclusive, together.

My Department's policy is to provide for the inclusive education of autistic students in mainstream schools to the greatest extent possible.  

Autism is a spectrum condition, so some autistic students require relatively little support in school and are largely independent in their learning, while others require significant levels of support.

  There is therefore not one preferred educational approach for autistic students, rather there is a range of provision, sometimes described as a continuum, which takes into account the assessed educational needs of individual students.

All students with special educational needs are served by this continuum of provision ranging from full-time enrolment in classes in mainstream schools with or without additional supports, to a special class in a mainstream school to full-time enrolment in special schools. 

This continuum is supported by significant investment by Government, €2bn or 20% of the total education spend.  This funds the provision of additional teachers, special needs assistants and other supports required to enable children with special needs to access education.

The National Council for Special Education is responsible for planning and coordinating local education provision and school placements for children with special needs for the whole country. 

NCSE has advised that there are currently 64 classes supporting autistic students operating in mainstream schools in Tipperary, 39 Primary Schools and 25 Post Primary schools.   

Taking a range of demographic factors into consideration, it is anticipated that additional places may be required in Tippeary to cater for likely future demand in the county. The NCSE, through its network of local SENOs, will continue to engage with the local schools to establish additional classes as required.

A list of all special classes, including classes opened for September 2020, is available on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie