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Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 December 2018

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

Ceisteanna (101, 120)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

101. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a clear pathway will be created for all families following an SEN diagnosis of their child from early intervention supports through to adult services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52356/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

120. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce clear communication and co-operation between the HSE, his Department, special schools and service providers (details supplied) regarding multidisciplinary teams, respite, adult and residential services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52416/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 120 together.

My Department works with service-providing partners in the health and disability sectors to support and plan for the co-ordinated delivery of services to families of children with special educational needs across the disability sector, including children in special schools. Cooperation and coordination has progressively improved between the education and health sectors in providing the supports for children with special educational needs. This is being achieved through participation on the interdepartmental Cross-Sectoral Team, which is chaired at Assistant Secretary level and comprises of representatives of my Department, National Educational Psychological Service, Department of Health, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

My Department works in cooperation with management bodies of special schools, particularly the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE) which is a representative and networking association which seeks to support Boards of Management of schools providing education for children with special needs in Ireland and is a recognised partner in the education process. Officials of my Department also meet with representatives of special schools and principal networks throughout the school year

The NCSE and NEPS work with HSE service providers at local level in the delivery of supports to children and young people with disabilities.

The provision of Health Services, including the provision of respite and residential services, is a matter for the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive.

Some people with a disability, over the age of 18, and who have complex needs, may require specialised support throughout their lives. Ongoing care and support services within the community, in a post school setting, are provided by voluntary or statutory organisations; responsibility for such care and support rests with the HSE.

Special school staff typically have extensive engagement with parents, HSE multi-disciplinary teams and the NCSE which involves planning for the child’s future, including options for further education, training, employment or other placement options subject to the child’s abilities, including the young person’s transition to adult services when they reach the age of 18 years.

It is important to note that students who transfer to adult service settings can continue to participate in educational programmes through further adult educational programmes or in adult settings which are allocated resources towards educational provision.

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