Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022

Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Ceisteanna (293)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

293. 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. [44634/22]

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.

Over the last two years, 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. My Department and the NCSE continue to work very closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand.

I am satisfied that this more joined up approach is delivering. Through this intensive intervention, we have seen 383 new special classes open, bringing the total of special classes to 2535 opened nationwide for the 2022/23 school-year. The 383 new special classes for 22/23 is broken down by 253 at primary and 130 at post primary.

The list of classes for the 22/23 school year is available on the NCSE website (as of 6 July) and is available at the link below.

06Jul22_Special-Classes-for-publication-2022_2023.pdf (ncse.ie)

The NCSE have informed the Department the school currently has one ASD special class. A second ASD special class is due to open in September 2023.