Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
436. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the number of students with complex needs that is required in a catchment area for her to permit the establishment of a special school; the size of that catchment area; and the process by which the need for such a school is determined by her Department. [28142/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn an ongoing basis the NCSE collects data on children without an appropriate school placement, based on information provided by parents/ guardians. For planning purposes a child without an appropriate school placement is one who has a professional report recommending a special class or special school, where the child’s parent/guardian wishes to enrol their child in a special class or special school in line with that report, but where no placement is available.
Where local information indicates the number of special school places projected to be available (either through normal leavers/joiners process or via expansion) are less that what is required, the NCSE informs the Department.
Catchment areas for special schools vary depending on location in the country and the category of complex learning needs catered for by the school. Some schools only cater for 1 or 2 categories where other special schools would enrol all children in an area whose complex needs require the support of a special school.
The Deputy will be aware of increased special school provision generally with two new special schools opened in Carrigaline and Crumlin in the current school-year and further expansion planned in 2022/23 which Minister Foley and I were pleased to announce in March.
This significant announcement will provide for the establishment of a new special school in Cork and increased capacity in existing special schools in Cork and Dublin to meet the needs of children and young people.
I am delighted to have secured agreement for the opening of a new special school in Rochestown for the benefit of students and families with additional needs in Cork, as well as provision of new special school places and buildings in Dublin. I also welcome the Memorandum of Understanding with the Spiritan Order which marks the first time that schools such as these will be part of the provision of special education in Ireland, without barriers to entry for those who need a place.
This is a much-needed development which will help to meet the demand for special school places in these areas.
