Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
269. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the number of students currently on waiting lists for an ASD unit place in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39374/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. Next year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs.
This investment will support the provision of over 1,200 additional special class places.
Notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country, including the area referenced by the Deputy, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. Through better planning at both national and local level, it is my objective that specialist education places should come on stream to meet emerging demand on a timely basis.
The NCSE is actively working with primary and post primary schools in the North Wicklow area, including Greystones, in order to establish special classes in the area. It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE to open a special class. The active collaboration of school communities is vital to the effective inclusion of students with special educational needs.
I should clarify that the NCSE does not maintain waiting lists for ASD classes. Boards of management of individual schools are responsible for such enrolment matters.
The NCSE's local Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise both schools and the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: https://ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
