Mark Ward
Ceist:855. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of additional ASD classes in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42607/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (855)
Freagraí scríofa
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 the school currently has two ASD special classes. The class that enrolled in September 2021 are operating out of the temporary accommodation provided in April 2022 by the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit. The class that enrolled in September 2022 are operating out the main school building.
The school have progressed their accommodation request to the point where a contractor has been engaged to provide a two class extension, which will be used for the ASD special classes. At the moment, the school does not have capacity to accommodate additional students with special class recommendations until the permanent building is completed.