Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
156. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education the status of the announced measures to create an additional 1,700 special class places in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57296/21]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion.
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.
This includes funding for a wide range of schemes and supports including special classes, special school places, SNAs and teachers.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
Through ongoing consultation with schools and parents at local level the NCSE is aware of students who will be seeking placement for the 22/23 academic year.
Budget 2022 will provide for over 980 new teacher and 1,165 new SNAs posts for allocation to schools next year.
The Government recognises the increased number of children with special educational needs attending school, the requirement for new special class and special school places and the need for increased support for children with special needs who attend mainstream classes.
The 980 new teacher posts is broken down as follows:
- 620 of the new posts will provide additional support for children attending mainstream classes including new and expanding schools.
- 360 posts will facilitate the opening of 287 new special classes providing over 1,700 new places in 2022 and 140 new special school places.
My Department works in close collaboration with the NCSE to ensure that the necessary provision is put in place on a timely basis throughout the country.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact their local SENO so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.
