Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
191. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the exact way in which the National Council for Special Education will consult with stakeholders on its new proposals regarding the allocation of resources to schools in respect of children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28420/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) published its Report on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs on Wednesday 18th June 2014. This report is available at www.ncse.ie. Section 2 and Appendix 3 of this report both contain comprehensive details of the wide ranging consultation process which the NCSE engaged in, in developing its policy advice. The NCSE consulted with key education partners in order to assist the working group in developing its proposal for a new model for allocating additional teaching supports to schools. These stakeholders included parents, teachers, principals, health professionals, school management bodies, Department of Education and Skills staff (National Educational Psychological Service staff, Inspectors), special educational needs organisers (SENOs), advocacy groups, and teacher union officials. The NCSE has also established a national Consultative Forum in order to consult directly with stakeholders on any matters related to carrying out its functions or in developing its policy advice.
I have now asked my Department to consider the recommendations contained in the report of the NCSE working group on a new resource allocation model and to examine what impact this proposal would have in practice on the allocation of Special Needs teachers to schools. In considering the NCSE proposals, my Department will also consult with all stakeholder groups, including parents, to hear their views on the proposals. The details of how this consultation will be managed have yet to be decided within my Department.
