Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
505. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education the reason that no full-time on-site behaviour therapist has been appointed to a school (details supplied) despite calls from staff and parents. [14406/22]
View answerMy Department provides support to schools through the provision of a flexible range of evidence based supports and resources with a view to building school capacity and expertise so they can respond effectively to the needs of the students enrolled. These supports are designed to meet the needs of the school team and the profile of students enrolled.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the school referred to has been targeted with additional supports since its establishment in 2019. A comprehensive support programme involving my Department (through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the Inspectorate) and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Advisory Team has been developed in collaboration with the school’s leadership and Dublin Dun Laoghaire ETB, the school’s patron. This plan is reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
Having regard to the school’s current circumstances and needs, including its transition to new accommodation, the NCSE is further enhancing its support to the school in the coming weeks.
My officials have also made arrangements to ensure that the school's Board of Management is provided with an opportunity, as soon as possible, to engage with the relevant experts who have developed the school's programme of support.
