Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2021

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Ceisteanna (144)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

144. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will meet with behaviour analysts working in special schools as per the recommendation of the Labour Court of December 2019 to address issues with their employment agreements which are due to expire in seven weeks; if permanent positions will be secured for them in order to maintain and continue their work supporting the education in special schools of children with autism and complex special education needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26855/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education

My Department previously funded 13 centres through an ABA pilot scheme for the period 1999-2011.

All of these centres applied for and were granted recognition as special schools for children with autism and now form part of the network of special schools. A transitional agreement was put in place between the Department and Patrons of these schools to manage this process.

As part of the transitional agreement my Department provides grant funding to these schools to engage behaviour practitioners. This arrangement has been extended for the forthcoming school year.

The post holders in question are privately employed/engaged and retained under contract by the special schools concerned and do not have a contractual relationship with my Department. For this reason my Department was not party to the Labour Court proceedings referenced by the Deputy.