Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
465. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the reason there is currently no SENO in an area (details supplied) at present; when it is likely that this post will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4718/23]
View answer467. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the number of special educational needs organisers currently in place in Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4720/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 467 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
For 2023, the spend by my Department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
My Department does not manage the recruitment of or the day to day operational management of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO's),
SENO's are employees of the NCSE and as such I am forwarding your query to the NCSE for their direct reply to you. Where there are vacancies in particular areas I think it is important that schools and parents are provided with an alternative contact point and support.
It has been a priority for me as Minister and my Department that the NCSE is properly resourced to have a visible and effective presence in our schools and with our parents and children guiding and supporting them on their educational journey.
My Department is making a significant investment in the expansion of the NCSE to ensure it can respond effectively, compassionately and quickly to the increased need in our education system so that children and their families are fully supported and achieve the best possible education outcomes.
The funding will see an increase of over 50% in staffing levels in the NCSE. This will provide for an additional 161 staff, including 40 new staff for an Irish sign language scheme which I announced in March and over 70 staff who will have direct engagement with children and schools.
This level of investment of close to an additional €13m in the NCSE will ensure that they are fit for purpose and able to deliver real and meaningful supports for children, families and schools who support children with special educational needs.
