Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
115. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a progress report on a special education site in Glanmire, County Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57355/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the last two years, the Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school year.
This intensive intervention has seen the establishment of a new special school in Cork, Rochestown Community Special School, as well as providing for increased capacity in existing special schools in Cork. Planning for the opening of the new special school has begun. The new school will be located in Rochestown, in a premises expected to become available in early 2023 and will support children and young people with autism and complex learning needs up to 18 years of age.
The Department and NCSE are satisfied that these measures will meet requirements for places in special schools in Cork, including those that have no place for the current school year.
In addition, and as part of future proofing of provision, the acquisition of a site at Brooklodge, Glanmire is progressing. Approval has been granted by the Elected Members of Cork City Council to dispose of this site and the conveyancing process and transfer of this land to the Minister is ongoing.
The Department continues to work with the NCSE in relation to the short-term requirements for special class and special school places and also the more strategic and longer-term requirements.
This year, my Department will invest in excess of €2 billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget in the area of special educational needs support. As a result the numbers of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
