Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
299. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of concerns that bodies representing schools felt they were insufficiently consulted concerning the devolution of the NCSE's legislative responsibility for the assessment of children with additional needs on to schools; what steps she is taking to address these concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2824/24]
View answerThe Department consults and engages with the broad range of education stakeholders, and advocacy groups where relevant, in respect of any initiative, programme or development of significance which is relevant to schools.
In developing and implementing the education element of the AON process, there has been extensive formal and informal consultation and engagement with the education partners and with individual schools. My Department is committed to monitoring the impact of the AON process on schools and is currently engaging with a number of schools to collate feedback on how they engaged with the AON process and the extent to which they utilised available resources and supports. This engagement will ensure that any additional guidance, supports or resources required will be put in place at the earliest possible opportunity.
My Department will continue to work with the education stakeholders to ensure that schools are supported within this process.
