Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
219. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the evidence that special schools and units are not compatible with the views of the UN of inclusion under the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be provided in view of the negative response of persons in respect of same (details supplied); and the evidence the NCSE has to verify Brunswick inclusion model. [4527/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September 2018, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was requested to develop policy advice on the educational provision that should be in place for students educated in special schools and classes and to make recommendations on the provision required to enable them achieve better outcomes.
The progress report which the NCSE submitted to me on 5 November 2019 provides an overview on the evolution of special education policy and provision in Ireland together with some preliminary analysis of emerging themes from a review of research literature; study visits to other jurisdictions; and consultations with parents, teacher unions and education representative bodies, students, advocacy groups; school visits and relevant Government Departments and bodies. This also included a study visit to New Brunswick, Canada to see how an education system, without special schools or special classes, support students with special educational needs.
The Progress Report does not draw any definitive conclusions and the preliminary findings are tentative.
The NCSE progress report is available on the NCSE's website.
The NCSE has commenced engagement in a public consultation with parents, students, people with disabilities, educators and other educational partners and stakeholders. The focus of this consultation will be on how best to move forward in the education of students currently being educated in special schools and classes.
Following this public consultation and further deliberations by NCSE, the policy advice was due to be submitted by June 2020 but it is expected to be finalised and submitted to the Minister by December 2020, due to delays caused by COVID-19 restrictions.
It is important to note that at this stage, the NCSE has not made any recommendations regarding the future education provision in any special school in its progress report.
