Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
81. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a progress report on a special education site (details supplied) in Glanmire, County Cork and a special education site in Carrrigtwohill, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22490/23]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs 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 providing supports to children and young people with special educational needs and their schools.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special education needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
Over the last two years, the Department and the National Council for Special Education (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.
In addition, and as part of future proofing of provision, the acquisition of a site at Brooklodge, Glanmire is progressing. Approval has been granted by the Elected Members of Cork City Council to dispose of this site and the conveyancing process and transfer of this land to the Minister is ongoing.
I also recently announced the establishment of a new special school in Carrigtwohill, East Cork for the school year 2023/2024, which will further enhance special education needs capacity in the area. It is intended that places in the new special school will be prioritised for children who have no offer of a special school place for the 2023/24 school year.
The NCSE will work closely with the families of the children and young people concerned to assist them in accessing the new places which will become available during the 2023/24 school year.
Planning for the establishment and opening of the new special school will begin immediately and my Department is currently liaising with Cork ETB, who will serve as patron body for the new school in this regard.
This will include a 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. This will also include ongoing communication with the families concerned.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, 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.
