Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (453)

Noel Grealish

Question:

453. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education the criteria a school must meet to start an ASD class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44991/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

It is open to any school to make an application to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for the establishment of specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.

In considering such applications, the NSCE considers the current provision in the area, if there is a sustainable demand for additional specialist provision and how best this demand can be met having regard to the availability of suitable school accommodation, the needs and location of the children concerned.  

My Department is not involved in adjudicating on the applications received by the NCSE from schools.