Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019
4. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received a report (details supplied) on the provision of autism-specific education in the west Dublin area; if he will meet parents in the area to discuss the need for an autism-specific school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10963/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is interesting that four of the five Priority Questions today relate to autism and autism spectrum disorder services provision. At all times it is the parents who have to push to get the services right for their children. My question specifically relates to the position in Dublin 15 and Dublin 7 in the Dublin West constituency. A survey of primary and secondary school principals by a group of parents and professionals demonstrated that 68% of principals surveyed believed students were in an inappropriate educational setting. The group that has carried out the research is the ASD15 committee and its members are seeking an autism-specific school in Dublin West.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an cheist. Aontaím leis an Teachta. Is ceist iontach tábhachtach í a tháinig suas anuraidh agus ag tús na bliana. I am aware of the demand for additional special class and special school placements in the Dublin area, including Dublin 15. I have asked the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, to provide my Department with a report on current and future identified need in the area in question in order that evidence-based decisions may be made on the development of the necessary placements in the area in the short, medium and longer term. In preparing the report the council will meet parents and other groups. It is also engaging with officials in my Department on the work they are undertaking. As this process is ongoing, I have no plans to meet groups at this stage. The NCSE is an independent agency of my Department with responsibility for planning, co-ordinating and advising on education provision for children with special educational needs. The council ensures schools in an area can between them cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements. A working group chaired by the NCSE has been established to put in place a new working protocol to ensure there is effective proactive planning and timely delivery of specialist educational places for students.
There are two matters arising for parents of children with autism. The first is securing a place for them in special units that have been set up in some schools and about which we heard in dealing with previous questions. That is a problem. Moreover, many children cannot cope or function in these special units because their needs are much more complex. They are specifically the children with whom the group is concerned. This is a unique case as a major public meeting was held about this issue and parents and professionals are united on the need for a special school. All of the Deputies, councillors and other public representatives in the area are also united on it. As a result of the demographics and specific age profile, Dublin West is the place where it must happen first. Parents have found a potential patron and the education and training board has indicated that it would be willing to be the patron of such a school. They also have two potential sites, one of which could possibly be provided by the education and training board. All they need is the provision of funds to allow the project to happen.
As there is a job of work ongoing, it is important to consult all stakeholders, including parents. I am confident that this work will be done in a comprehensive way and completed in a timely fashion. We will then be in a position to make decisions on the back of it. The Deputy has her own anecdotal advice and feedback from public meetings. She has felt the pressure on the ground. There are no better people for having antennae than Teachtaí Dála, but I need to be methodical in how I go about dealing with this issue. The NCSE must be allowed space to deliberate and consult, while listening to the people who matter most, specifically the parents. I ask the Deputy to allow the people who are in the process of coming to a conclusion the time to complete that work. We will then be in a position to make decisions.
The parents and professionals who teach these children have conducted much research. They have found that at least 54 children are either on reduced hours - they are not receiving an education - or have applied for home tuition grants. In many cases parents receive a phone call after an hour asking them to collect their child because the school cannot cater for his or her needs. That is only a drop in the ocean and I am sure there are many such cases. We have the potential to provide a unique school with all of the specialist training needed. Jonix, which has provided much research and advice in the past, is on board and the education and training board has expressed a willingness to support the project. We really need the Government to recognise that this is a need in Dublin West and potentially many other areas. Children have a right to an education. This could happen in September 2019 if temporary accommodation was to be used on the site at the back of Riversdale or another. I ask the Minister to move as quickly as possible.
It is a priority. The Deputy's constituency colleague in the Chamber today, as well as my colleague and the Deputy's other constituency colleague, the Taoiseach, are anxious that it is given the prioritisation it requires. I can guarantee that it will continue to be given such prioritisation.
