Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
594. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the implementation of the National Council for Special Education’s policy advice on educational provision for children with autism spectrum disorders; the progress made on implementing each of the 11 recommendations in tabular form; the timeframe for its implementation; and the estimated full year cost of same. [34743/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for this Government is ensuring that children with special educational needs are supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
In 2018, some €1.78 billion will be invested in Special Education. This represents an increase of almost 42% since 2011 and amounts to almost one fifth of the Department’s overall Budget.
The National Council for Special Education’s Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders was published in July 2016. The report acknowledges that there has been substantial investment in the education of students with autism over the 14 years since the publication of the last major report on autism in 2001. The report sets out 11 recommendations, for further improvement and outlines associated actions to give effect to its recommendations. Many of these recommendations relate to the services provided by other Departments or agencies, including the HSE.
My Department has convened an Implementation Group with representatives of the NCSE, NEPS, the Inspectorate and representatives from other Departments and agencies to ensure that the Report’s recommendations are fully and appropriately considered.
While a number of the recommendations, including those on the development of additional primary and post primary provision, have already been partially or substantially implemented, work is planned on the implementation of the remaining recommendations, including those for other parties. The NCSE estimates that implementing the school based recommendations in the report will cost an additional €20m per annum.
It is acknowledged that the implementation of a number of the recommendations, including that on the development of an alternative scheme to the Extended School Year Scheme, will be challenging. I have asked my officials to prepare a progress report setting out expected timeframes for full implementation and I expect that report by Autumn.
