Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
147. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on an application made by a school (details supplied) for an additional autism class; the reason for the delay in the approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25978/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
Over 360 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year. Of these, 19 are in County Galway, 12 at primary level and 7 at post primary. This brings the overall number of special classes in the county to 168.
The NCSE are confident that through the provision of these new classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of children known to them for September 2024. I have asked the NCSE to ensure these classes are established as a matter of urgency and to keep all families seeking class places updated on an ongoing basis to ensure their children can access the provision to which they are entitled.
I can confirm that the school has expressed an interest in opening a second autism class for the 2024/25 school year, however, have stated that they require modular accommodation in order to do so. The school already has one existing special class and has submitted an application for capital funding, under my department's Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for modular accommodation to provide for one special education classroom and one special education tuition room. My department's Planning and Building unit is considering this application and will contact the school with a decision in due course.
When establishing a special class it is prudent to maximise the use of existing accommodation in schools, within geographic areas, in the first instance. This consideration is prior to the establishment of any additional special class that may require additional accommodation e.g., modular accommodation. Enrolments are projected to decrease for the next number of years at primary level.
This approach enables special classes to be established more quickly as there is no requirement for additional accommodation. This means that the educational needs of children who require a specialist placement can be met more easily. It also allows for earlier reconfiguration of existing accommodation in a more streamlined and efficient manner.
This overall approach is consistent with the department’s commitment to supporting the educational needs of children who require specialist placements while at the same time meeting the requirements of the government’s infrastructure guidelines.
The NCSE are currently assessing the needs in the local area and available accommodation options and the school will be notified as soon as possible if a special class can be established.
