Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013
130. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and location of severe and profound special classes that are located in mainstream primary schools; the corresponding schools at second level; the steps which are being taken to improve the main streaming of such classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54860/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides for a continuum of special educational provision to be made available for children with special educational needs, so that regardless of the level of need of the child, educational provision can be made for them. Section 2 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 provides that all children with special educational needs should be educated in an inclusive environment with their peers, unless it is not in the best interests of the child, or in the best interests of the children with whom that child is to be educated with.
Children with special educational needs may attend mainstream class places, with additional supports, special classes in mainstream schools, or where pupils require more specialised interventions special school placements.
As children with severe and profound general learning difficulties are among those with the most complex learning and support needs, some children with severe and profound general learning difficulties attend special school or special class places.
There are currently 10 special classes for children with a severe and profound learning disability attached to mainstream schools, all of which are attached to mainstream primary schools. There are 2 classes in Cork, 4 in Donegal, 1 in Galway, 2 in Kildare and 1 in Louth.
There are also 10 special schools which are specifically designated as special schools for children with Severe and Profound General Learning Disability. Some other schools which have alternative special school designations also enrol pupils with severe and profound general learning difficulties.
