Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1021. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education the number of children in need of an ASD place in Dublin 5, 13 and 17 respectively, who have been unable to secure an appropriate school place for the 2022-2023 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30198/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes additional teaching and care supports.
As a result, the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, my Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special needs placements ahead of each new school-year.
I am satisfied that this more joined up approach is delivering. Through this intensive intervention, we have seen over 300 special classes, providing over 1,800 new places, opened nationwide for the 2021/22 school-year.
I also acknowledge that notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
NCSE has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
In terms of the area specifically referenced by the Deputy, I can confirm that the NCSE is aware of an identified need for additional special classes for students with autism in primary and post-primary schools in these areas. This is also the case in the broader North Dublin region where work has been underway with stakeholders for a number of years to meet the demand for places.
We are always grateful to those schools that have responded, and continue to respond positively to meet the educational needs of children in their communities.
Currently, there is a network of 33 primary special classes, including 4 Early Intervention classes, and 10 post primary special classes provide specialist placements for students with autism in Dublin 5, 13 and 17. 4 of these classes were newly established for the current school year.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
I want to reassure the Deputy that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
