Seán Sherlock
Question:107. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [56273/21]
View answerWednesday, 17 November 2021
Questions (107)
Written answers
It is my belief that children with special educational needs should receive their education in placements which are appropriate to their needs alongside their peers wherever possible unless such an approach would be inconsistent with the best interests of the individual child or other children in the school.
This approach is consistent with the provisions of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.
My Department's policy is therefore to provide for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs in mainstream schools. The majority of children with special needs attend mainstream education with additional supports
Next year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs.
Only where it has been assessed that the child is unable to be supported in mainstream education, are special class placements or special school placements recommended and provided for.
It is therefore not the case that special educational placements are required to support all children with special educational needs, nor is it intended that this should be the case.
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.
In respect of the case in question I understand the NCSE has met with and are continuing to engage with the child’s parents to discuss the options available until a Special School Placement is found. The NCSE has allocated 1 additional Special Needs Assistant to the school to support this child and this remains in place.
My Department is concerned to ensure that an appropriate solution is put in place for this child and my officials are liaising with the NCSE in that regard. In the meantime, the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) continues to be available to assist and advise both schools and the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.