Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
258. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education the status of an application made by a family to a school (details supplied); the options open to the parents when medical need is noted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51004/23]
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, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where 26% of my department’s budget will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs, representing a 5% increase on Budget 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the provision of speech and language therapy services for all children who qualify for such therapy support. This can be provided either in a school, or more usually, through HSE disability services or primary care services.
Students with a specific speech and language disorder may also need to be referred to the HSE’s Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNT’s).
School age children that require speech and language therapy, may qualify for additional educational support, however the provision of speech and language therapy services is the responsibility of the HSE.
The Department of Health have confirmed that applications for services provided by the CDNT’s would be a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
My department and the NCSE 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.
