Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2019
57. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of plans to open an autism unit in a school (details supplied); the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21176/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIndividual school boards of management have responsibility for the establishment of special classes.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation.
The Deputy is aware that the NCSE formally advised me that there is insufficient special class capacity in Dublin 15. I want to assure the Deputy this issue is being taken very seriously.
I have already urged schools, Boards of Management and school patrons to do more to fulfil obligations to provide specialist school places for children and young people with special needs.
I have been assured that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is actively engaging with schools, patron bodies, parents, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), health professionals and other staff who are involved in the provision of services for children with special educational needs to try to ensure that each child has a school placement appropriate to their needs for the 2019/20 school year.
I expect that this will result in schools in the area, including the school referred to by the Deputy, agreeing to establish special classes.
I have asked the NCSE to keep in regular contact with the Parents of the children concerned and advise them of progress.
