National Council for Special Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022

Tuesday, 1 March 2022

Questions (481, 482)

David Cullinane

Question:

481. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education the current staffing composition of the National Council for Special Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11550/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

482. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education her plans to increase staffing of the National Council for Special Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11551/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 482 together.

The National Council for Special Education was set up to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children.  It was formally established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN Act).  The NCSE performs a number of roles in our educational system and key amongst these are the provision of supports to our schools to promote a continuum of educational provision, so as to ensure that what is delivered is inclusive and meets the needs of students with special educational needs. The NCSE plays a critical role in ensuring that policy and provision develops and evolves, so that students with special educational needs are helped to perform to their potential and achieve good education and life outcomes. Recruitment of administration and professional staff is carried out by the NCSE as provided for in section 25 (1) of the Epsen Act 2004.   

At year end, 2021, the number of staff employed in the NCSE was 230. This is comprised of 141 employees in executive, administration, therapist and Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) posts, and 89 advisors & visiting teachers.

As part of the annual budget preparation cycle, staffing requirements in the NCSE are addressed in the estimates process. The NCSE will be asked to review their current requirements and project the resource requirements anticipated for the next year, based on their programme of work. The projected requirements will be subject to detailed examination and review, by both the Department of Education and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform prior to sanction.

Question No. 482 answered with Question No. 481.