Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
255. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 361 of 28 March 2023, the school in the Dublin mid-west area that has had one new special class at post-primary level approved for the 2023-2024 school year; the schools in this area that have engaged with the NCSE to establish a special class; if she will provide an update on their engagements to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20007/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), which is a separate statutory agency, is responsible through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from schools for the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas where a need has been identified.
The NCSE welcomes expressions of interest from schools in opening special classes to meet the demand for special class provision. In deciding on the location of a special class, SENOs take into account both the present and the future potential need for special class provision in the area, they must be satisfied that the special class is sustainable and appropriately located. SENOs liaise with relevant professionals in their area to arrive at an informed decision.
It is department policy, in accordance with the principles of inclusive education and as set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 is that children with special educational needs should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the department and the NCSE ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
The NCSE has advised my department that it continues to work with schools to ensure all students identified as requiring places in the special class meet the Department of Education’s criteria for enrolment in a special class.
In addition to the 218 new special classes announced on 12 April, the NCSE advise that they will very shortly publish a list of further additional special classes that have now been sanctioned for the coming school year 2023/2024.
I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at ncse.ie
