Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
709. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education the steps that have been taken towards providing an autism unit and special class in a school (details supplied); when the unit will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30542/21]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
This year, just under 25% 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.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. It has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents. NCSE seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special education placements.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application, under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme, from the school in question. Officials from my Department are assessing this application, including the possibility of making provision for a special class in this school, subject to site restrictions. A decision will be conveyed to the school authorities in due course.
