Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
573. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education the two-year forecast for special class places that will be required in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the number of spaces by school that currently exist in the counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37966/22]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
In 2022, we will spend over 25% of our total educational budget on providing additional supports for children with SEN. This represents an increase of over 60%, in total expenditure, since 2011.
We are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
Continuing to add capacity in schools to support SEN provision is a key priority with a particular emphasis at post-primary level.
The Department’s Geographic Information Management System (GIS) will continue to support a strategic and coordinated approach to planning and delivery of SEN provision. This includes “real-time” data on capacity across the school system.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is working actively with the NCSE and other key stakeholders including School Patrons and Management Bodies to provide additional special classes and special school places for the 2022/23 school year and beyond.
