Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021

Thursday, 11 November 2021

Ceisteanna (311)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

311. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if children in sixth class in County Cork who require ASD class places for their secondary schooling and whose parents were informed by their children's disability network teams that they will not get educational placement recommendations until February 2022 at the earliest, will receive this recommendation before Christmas 2021 due to the importance of an early recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55354/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I am aware of the issue raised by the Deputy.

While I have no remit regarding the Children's Disability Network Teams, which is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE), my officials are currently liaising with the relevant agencies to consider how the transition process for students impacted can be progressed.   

Ensuring that  every child has an appropriate education placement is a priority for my Department and arrangements are in place for the planning of the necessary provision nationally.  Mt Department works close with the National Council for Special Education in this regard.