Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
946. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) has the space for an ASD class; if this facility will be supported by her Department in order allow the school to pursue a lease on a local hall while other options of buying a hall for the purpose are pursued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39313/21]
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, special class and special school places are at unprecedented levels.
My Department aims to ensure that there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of all children throughout the State. Department policy is that students with special educational needs should be included where possible and appropriate in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. In circumstances where children require more specialised interventions, special class or special school places are provided for.
The National Council for Special Education is responsible for planning and coordinating provision at both a local and a national level and advising my Department 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.
Irish mainstream schools have a tradition of providing places which respond to the needs of the families in their areas. This is evidenced by the growth in special classes over recent years, with an increase of 286% over the last decade.
There are now 2,118 special classes in place providing approximately 12,700 places for children with special educational needs.
Issues have however arisen in recent years regarding a shortage of suitable school places for students with special educational needs – primarily driven by the very significant increase in demand, and the shortage of suitable school accommodation in which to open special classes and expand special school provision.
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. The active collaboration of school communities is essential in this regard.
NCSE is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and others across South Dublin, including the school referred to by the Deputy, to bring the required additional special education placements on stream. My Department and the NCSE are grateful to schools who continue to respond positively to meet the educational needs of children in their communities.
I can confirm that my Department has been in contact with the Parish in relation to the potential acquisition of Booterstown Parish Hall.
A valuation of the hall has been received and assessed by Department officials. My Department is currently negotiating with the owners for the potential acquisition of the Hall.
Due to commercial sensitivities it is not possible to provide further information at this time. The acquisition is a priority for my Department and my officials will keep the patron informed of any key developments regarding the acquisition.
