Chris Andrews
Question:323. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education if a child (details supplied) will be granted a place in the autism spectrum disorder class in a school. [42979/20]
View answerTuesday, 15 December 2020
Questions (323)
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. As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, SNAs and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
Since my appointment, I have met with a wide range of representative associations and advocates from the Special Education Sector. All of these groups have raised very important issues in relation to how they consider that improvements can be made to special education services.
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. However, the active collaboration of school communities is essential in this regard.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and special school places nationally, to meet identified need. This process is ongoing.
Notwithstanding the extent of the investment in special education and the supports which have been put in place, I am also very conscious that there are some parts of the country where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
NCSE is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and others to bring the required additional special education placements on stream. Accordingly, I have referred the question to the NCSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
My Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education and I want to reassure you that the delivery of the necessary additional provision is being progressed as an absolute priority.