Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
223. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education how her Department is liaising with the Minister for Education and the Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion in the matter of associated services at a school (details supplied) in the context of the mooted moving of services provided by an organisation to the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9059/24]
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 and 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.
In 2023, my department spent over €2.6 billion on special education and further progress will be made this year as an additional €113 million will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
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 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs 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.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
Matters in relation to the provision of health-related services to children with special educational needs should be generally directed to the Health Service Executive or to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth . In relation to the provision of any services to the special school referred to by the Deputy, my Department will engage with the NCSE on this matter and issue a direct update to you shortly.
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.
