Mark Ward
Question:847. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of a post-primary ASD unit for children in north Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14363/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (847)
Written answers
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
This 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.
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 National Council for Special Education (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, including the area referenced, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
I can assure the Deputy that the NCSE is acutely aware of these concerns and is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and other stakeholders to bring the required additional special education placements on stream.
I understand that the NCSE has specific plans in place to open additional special classes in post primary schools for the 2021/22 school year both in Dublin 22 and other nearby areas including Dublin 20.
I am also advised that NCSE is currently engaged with other schools in the immediate and adjacent areas with a view to supporting them in opening new special classes to cater for the identified needs of students in the community.
Families can be reassured that as soon as schools notify NCSE of vacancies within their specialist class provision, SENOs work locally to ensure parents are made aware of these places.
Information on the availability of special class places can change as the school year progresses. Parents of students seeking special class placements are therefore advised to maintain contact with their local SENO whose contact details can be found at: https://ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
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.