Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
382. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his view on whether the constitutional right to an appropriate and adequate education of a child in the State is, at present, upheld by the policies and practices in respect of children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13876/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to firstly advise the Deputy that, in accordance with the duty of the State to provide for education as set out in the Constitution, all pupils with special educational needs have access to educational services and facilities in order to ensure that they can be provided with education.
I wish to explain also that my Department's policy is to secure the maximum possible level of inclusion of students with special educational needs in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, in order to ensure that as many children as possible can be educated with their peers within their own community. This policy is in line with the provisions of the EPSEN Act 2004.
Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils.
Other children may have such complex needs that they require specialist supports in a special school.
Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.
My Department therefore provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs.
This Government is committed to the protection of front-line services for pupils with special educational needs. The level of resources devoted to supporting children with Special Educational Needs has been maintained and increased for this school year.
Approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department – some €1.3 billion – was spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs in 2012/13. The provision for the 2013/14 school year is in line with expenditure last year and shows that the overall level of funding for special education has been protected, and increased, despite the ongoing severe financial position.
Inter alia, this provides for additional learning and resource teaching support, Special Needs Assistant support, special transport arrangements, building adaptations, enhanced capitation and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment.
The overall level of investment being provided will ensure that provision can continue to be made for the educational requirements of children with special educational needs in both mainstream and special schools.
