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Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 June 2012

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Ceisteanna (80)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

74 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support a school (details supplied) in terms of approving the proposed MDVI this year; if his attention has been drawn to the demand for specialist resources, including teaching and equipment and that six parents with children who are MDVI have applied for a place in the school but will be told the school cannot provide for the needs of their children without the MDVI unit; his views on whether the need for specialised resources for children who are MDVI will increase for schools across the country in the future and that this need must be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28646/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Firstly, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education.

My Department provides for the education of children with special educational needs, including pupils with Multiple Disabilities and pupils with Visual Impairment, through a number of support mechanisms depending on the child's assessed disability. In general, educational provision for children with special needs is made; in special schools; in special classes attached to ordinary schools; or in integrated settings in mainstream classes.

The nature and level of the educational response is based on the professionally-assessed needs of each individual child. My Department's policy is to ensure the maximum possible integration of children with special needs into ordinary mainstream schools. Many students with special educational needs will therefore not require or seek a special class placement, but will be educated along with their peers in mainstream provision, with additional supports.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the allocation of resource teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas, as required, and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.

I have therefore arranged for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

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