Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
631. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) will be opened as an autism-specific school in view of the fact local families have been campaigning for same for a considerable time. [18802/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. Currently, almost 20% of the total Education Vote or €1.9bn is invested in supporting children with special needs.
Notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country, including South Dublin, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places for next September.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. NCSE is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and others across South Dublin to bring the required additional special class and special school placements on stream.
While progress has been achieved NCSE has identified the need for an additional 36 special school places in South Dublin for September.
Planning is actively underway to ensure that children without a placement for next year are provided with a suitable placement. The NCSE is leading the work in this regard. My Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
A number of options are currently being explored to increase the number of suitable places to cater for the needs of children in this area. I can confirm that sites such as the school to which the Deputy refers are being examined in this regard.
