Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019
254. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken by his Department and the school age team to provide an adequate school place and supports for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5576/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnrolment in a school is a matter for each parent and the board of management of the school concerned. My Department has no role either in making applications to schools or in making decisions on enrolment applications. In these matters, schools are required to adhere to the requirements of relevant legislation and the policies of my department.
Enhanced pupil teacher and SNA ratios are provided to special schools to support them in dealing with pupils' educational and care needs. Since 2012, special schools are staffed on the basis of their actual pupil profiles and the disability category of each pupil, as opposed to being based principally on school designation, in accordance with my Department's Circular 0042/2011.
Where a special school has a query in relation to their allocation, they can discuss their concerns, in the first instance, with the Special Education Needs Officer (SENO) who will provide the basis for, and background to, their class teacher allocation. Where a special school is unhappy with the SENO's decision, the advice of the Senior SENO may be sought on the matter.
As the matter referred to by the Deputy relates to an individual child, I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
