Ombudsman for Children

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020

Wednesday, 7 October 2020

Ceisteanna (120)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

120. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she has had regard to concerns raised by the Ombudsman for Children in the area of special needs resources. [28976/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Minister for Education and Skills recently met with the Ombudsman for Children on 17th September, 2020. This is one feature of my Department's ongoing engagement with the Ombudsman.

A range of issues in relation to the education of children were discussed at this meeting. The particular issues which were raised in relation to the provision of education for children with special educational needs included:

The school transport scheme for children with special needs; reduced timetables or reduced school days; the provision of guidance for schools on the seclusion and restraint of children with behavioural concerns; the pilot of a scheme to provide Therapy services for children in schools; and the provision of special school and special class places.

My Department will continue to engage with the Office of the Ombudsman for Children regarding these and any other matters which may arise in the future.