Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
316. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education if she will intervene in the case of a school (details supplied) that has refused to open an ASD class in September 2021, despite having the resources and capacity to do so; and if the school will be compelled to open an ASD class for September 2021. [34235/21]
View answerThe 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. 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.
Planning for future needs takes into consideration the current availability of such places and focuses on those locations where additional provision is required. However, the active collaboration of school communities is essential in this regard.
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 assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to prioritise investment in special education.
I understand that the NCSE is currently engaged with the school referred to by the Deputy regarding this matter. I have therefore arranged for your correspondence to be forwarded to the NCSE for direct reply.
The local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
