Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Ceisteanna (852)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

852. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education when additional ASD classes will be provided to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42604/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:

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 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.

The NCSE have informed the Department that they have been in on-going engagement with St Kevin's Community College (70042L) regarding the provision of ASD special classes.

The school had applied for an extension to the current school building, to accommodate the enrolment of 650 students. The Department’s Planning and Building Unit authorised an extension for two ASD special classes, which were sanctioned by the NCSE, and three mainstream classes. Until these building works were completed, temporary accommodation was provided for the start of the 2021/2022 school year.  

The school’s enrolment increased beyond the initial estimation, to approximately 1000 students. Due to this enrolment increase; the planned extension to the school was modified. The school is now required to submit updated paperwork to the School Capital Appraisal Section of the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit. To facilitate the increased enrolment the temporary accommodation is currently used by the school to accommodate increased enrolment in mainstream classrooms.