Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2017
169. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for the Education (Admission To Schools) Bill 2016 to be brought before Dáil Éireann; the proposed wording of an amendment (details supplied); if special education needs organisers, SENOs, will be allowed to exercise this new authority immediately; the way in which limits on the SENOs will be legislated for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52805/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that I published the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 on 6 July 2016 and the Bill passed Committee Stage on 28 June 2017.
During the Committee Stage debate on the Bill I indicated that I would bring forward an amendment at Report Stage that would provide a power for the Minister to require a school to open a special class or classes where the NCSE recommends that a class is required.
My officials have been engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to a number of amendments, including the above, proposed for Report Stage of the Bill and I am informed that this work is nearing conclusion. The Bill will progress to Report Stage once these amendments have been finalised.
