Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2022
139. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education her Department’s plans to support the establishment of a new special school in the east Cork area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22888/22]
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.
As a result, the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and special school places are at unprecedented levels.
Notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country, including Cork, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of special class and special school places.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two years, my 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.
I am satisfied that this approach is delivering.
This intensive intervention has seen an additional 300 special classes already opened nationwide for the 2021/22 school year as well as the establishment of two new special schools.
This targeted approach will continue in identifying and meeting demand for special education placements throughout the country. In terms of the area specifically referenced by the Deputy, I can confirm that the NCSE is aware of an identified need for additional special education placements for students with autism in Cork.
The Deputy will be aware that Minister Foley and I recently announced a significant expansion of special school provision in Cork and Dublin.
This significant announcement provides for the establishment of a new special school in Cork as well as increased capacity in existing special schools in Cork. Planning for the establishment and opening of the new special school has begun which includes determination of the size of the school required so that the necessary staff recruitment, school policy development and related arrangements can be put in train. The new school will be located on an interim basis in Rochestown in a premises expected to become available in early 2023.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with NCSE and the network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I can assure the Deputy that every support will be made available to progress additional special class and school capacity, in the shortest possible timeframe, with a particular focus in Cork on the 2022/23 school-year.
