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Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022

Thursday, 16 June 2022

Ceisteanna (376, 377)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

376. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the rationale behind the decision to enact section 37(a) of the Education Act 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31409/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

377. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on plans to enact section 37(a) of the Education Act 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31410/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 377 together.

Enabling 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 additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.

It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school. There have been an additional 380 teachers recruited to support students to be enrolled in new special classes and new special schools for the 2022/2023 school year.

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.

As Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, I recently announced that the Section 37A process to compel schools to increase SEN provision has been initiated for a third time and that this process is now underway.

The NCSE has formally written to me, as Minister of State, to advise me that it has formed an opinion that there is insufficient special class capacity in primary schools and special school capacity in Dublin. The second stage of the process is now complete. I have informed the NCSE in relation to planned additional provision of education for children with special educational needs and available land and buildings. The NCSE will now provide a detailed report on the matter to me, which will consider existing provision, any relevant proposed building works and which schools may be able to provide additional provision. In preparing this report, the legislation requires the NCSE to consult school patrons, national parent bodies, school management bodies and teacher unions. I have insisted that this be done as quickly as possible, and I expect that will be the case.

All parties would prefer to see schools volunteer to provide more places, rather than places being secured on the back of an order or a direction from the Minister. The evidence available in this school year is that schools are willing to work collaboratively with the Department and the NCSE on the provision of new school places for children with special educational needs. I am grateful to all concerned for their ongoing work in this regard.

I can also reassure the Deputy that the local SENOs continue to be available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.

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