Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
336. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if consideration will be given to establishing a new additional needs school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7313/22]
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.
This 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 with special educational needs nationwide.
Through ongoing consultation with schools and parents at local level the NCSE is aware of students who will be seeking placements for the 2022/23 academic year.
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.
Throughout 2020 and 2021 the Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school year. This intensive intervention has seen an additional 301 special classes already opened nationwide for the 2021/22 school year.
Two new special schools, one in Cork and one in Dublin also opened for the 2021/22 school year.
This targeted approach will continue in identifying and meeting demand for special education placements throughout the country, including the area referred to by the Deputy.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) continue 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.
