Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
819. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the arrangements her Department has in place to assist the seamless transfer of a child expelled from a special needs school to another; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31910/21]
View answer820. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education her views on whether it is acceptable that a teenage child with severe ID, ASD and a genetic disorder has been without a school place for over a year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31911/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 819 and 820 together.
Enabling 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.
In cases such as those referenced by the Deputy, the relevant support services and agencies, including NEPS and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), will work with the family towards assiting the student to be reintegrated into a suitable school placement.
NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. I can reassure the Deputy that the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise both schools and the parents of children with special educational needs.
