The policy of my Department is to promote the principle of inclusive education for children with special educational needs.
My Department, either directly or through the National Council for Special Education, provides for a range of supports in schools to enable them to cater for students with special educational needs. This may include additional Resource Teachers, Special Needs Assistants and specialist equipment, depending on a child's level of assessed needs.
I am advised by the NCSE that the majority of mainstream schools now enrol children with special educational needs and I am further advised by my Department's Inspectorate that the majority of children with physical disabilities, including cerebral palsy, now attend mainstream schools. This is evidence that the policy of inclusion is operating successfully.
Where children with special needs also require physical or sensory therapy supports, this support is provided by the Health Service Executive, and may be provided in schools.
For children who have such complex needs that a special school or special class placement may be required, this is also provided for by my Department.