I propose to take Questions Nos. 387, 407, 408, 409 and 410 together.
Enabling 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.
As Minister I have a power under Section 37A of the Education Act 1998 to direct a school to provide additional special education provision where all reasonable efforts have failed. The schools who received statutory notices in the South Dublin area at the end of June last, were identified following an extensive engagement with schools, their patron bodies and parents in the area.
I understand that already some progress has been made and the NCSE has been working with a number of schools to establish special classes for the current school-year. I really am grateful to the schools for their efforts in this regard.
The 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. 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.
I can assure the Deputy that increasing the number of suitable places to cater for the needs of children in this area is a priority matter.
Supports for schools who are establishing a special class are set out in a guidance booklet which is available on the NCSE's website. This booklet sets out guidance for schools on how to establish a class, who should be enrolled, how staffing is allocated along with information on the financial supports available.
The NCSE also provides professional learning support for staff through a programme of seminars and in school supports for principals and teachers. NCSE Advisors also provide whole-school staff training where requested.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the breakdown of Autism Spectrum Disorder units in primary schools in the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council area is available to access on the NCSE website on www.ncse.ie