Written Answers Nos. 318-332
318. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 19 October 2023, to provide an update on the status of the contract for the special education bus (details supplied); and when it will be operational. [54934/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 134,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
I am pleased to advise that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible under the terms of the scheme and a sanction has been sent by School Transport Section of my Department to Bus Éireann for the establishment of a new service for pupils to the school referred to by the Deputy.
Bus Éireann have tendered this service in line with procurement guidelines. Bus Eireann has advised that the service is still out for procurement. Once a contractor has been sourced, the service will commence. Bus Éireann will liaise with the family directly one a contractor has been sourced.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore apply for the interim Special Transport Grant which is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until services are finalised. The Family of the child referred have been contacted directly by School Transport Section of my Department, with an offer of the Special Transport Grant until the transport service commences.
319. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education the options open to a child (details supplied) to access language classes; the reason no language class placement has been provided to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54936/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where an additional €113m has been provided which will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools. Just last week a further four special school were announced for the 2024/25 school year.
Along with the two new special schools, 384 new special classes – 251 at primary and 133 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
The NCSE identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability.
The provision of speech and language therapy services, is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Students with specific speech and language difficulties (SSLD) have access to speech therapy services provided by the HSE either through primary care service or speech and language therapy services provided in the special class setting.
When considering establishing a SSLD special classes, the special educational needs organiser (SENO) liaises with HSE speech and language therapists. The opening of a speech and language class is contingent on the HSE being in a position to provide speech and language therapy to the students in the class.
The NCSE continually review the availability of places and will continue to work to identify any openings that may arise within the locality of the student referred to by the Deputy.
The NCSE have advised my Department that they are aware of the case referred to by the Deputy and that the local SENO remains available to provide support and assistance to the family including offering consideration of suitable school settings that offer language class placements.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
320. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education when she intends to publish the findings of the review into the school transport programme. [54960/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education if, as part of the ongoing review of the school transport scheme, she will consider allowing the option of a third school for families living in rural Ireland. [54961/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/23 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine. The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
Undoubtedly, the School Transport Scheme is of huge importance to families. A review of the scheme has been conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. The scheme has been in operation for over 55 years, since its establishment in 1967, and this review is one of the most extensive investigations that has been carried out into the scheme since then.
The Technical Working Group and the Steering Group have recently completed their work on the final report of the review. This final report includes recommendations on the future operation of the scheme. The report has been submitted by the Steering Group for my consideration.
I am aware that this review is much-awaited, it is recognised that there are improvements which need to be made to the scheme and I know the importance of doing so. I expect to be in a position shortly to bring the review to Government, and further to Government approval, the review will be published.
322. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost to install 5kW of solar PV on every primary and post-primary school in Ireland. [54974/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to launch together with the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth the Solar for Schools scheme . It will allow up to 4,000 schools nationwide to get solar PV panels to reduce their energy bills and their carbon emissions.
This ties in with the strong ethos of environmental awareness and climate sustainability among our students and the wonderful work they do in this area, most notably with the Green Flag initiative.
It will provide eligible schools with 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
The scheme will be funded from the Government’s Climate Action Fund, in line with the Government’s recognition that taking action on climate change is central to Ireland’s social and economic development.
The scheme will assist schools in reducing their energy costs and their carbon footprint as part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets for the schools sector.
The solar PV panels in schools will also be connected to the electricity grid, so that the schools can generate income by powering other homes and businesses with clean energy when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.
Monitoring software will also be provided to each school, to allow review and discussion of the energy generated each day for staff and students.
As well as the obvious financial and climate benefits, it is expected that the visibility of the solar panels on schools will also deliver the added benefit of encouraging discussion and uptake of the technology in the wider community.
The Solar for Schools (Schools’ Photovoltaic (PV)) scheme will be rolled out on a phased basis, commencing with a call for applications to over 1,600 schools from 11 designated areas across the country.
The first phase opened for applications on 30th November 2023. All schools in the first phase have been contacted by the Department and invited to apply from that date. The intention is to include a further eight counties in phase two in Q2 2024 and the remaining eight counties in Q4 2024. It is intended that all eligible schools across the country will have the opportunity to apply to the scheme by end 2024.
The phasing of the programme will ensure a managed and steady flow of work for solar PV contractors. The data gathered during the first phase will also allow for any improvements in the design of the scheme to be implemented in the second and third phases. Counties in the first phase were selected to obtain a good geographical spread including a balance of rural, urban, island, Gaeltacht schools in all regions of the country, as well as targeting counties that have not benefitted from other recent Department of Education climate related initiatives.
Schools in the following areas are invited to participate in the first phase: Co. Clare, Co. Donegal, Dublin City Council area, Co. Galway, Co. Kerry, Co. Kilkenny, Co. Leitrim, Co. Limerick, Co. Offaly, Co. Waterford and Co. Wicklow.
School authorities will be provided with funding from the Department of Education to have the PV panels installed by a registered contractor, with guidance from the Department.
There are currently 200 Non-domestic solar PV Installers registered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and 350 domestic solar PV installers. The Solar for Schools Programme is expected to encourage more companies to enter the installer market.
The exact budget for the scheme is not being released because it is commercially sensitive. This is because of the need to ensure that contractors deliver competitive quotes rather than basing them on the average funding available per school. The Department of Education will be monitoring the spending under the scheme to ensure that it delivers value for money.
The Department of Education has developed detailed guidance documentation for schools and contractors availing of this programme which are now available at the following link: gov.ie - Schools Photovoltaic Programme (www.gov.ie).
323. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education the number of vacant and derelict properties and sites that are owned by her Department; her plans to bring each of these properties and sites into use; where no plans are in place, the reasons why; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55042/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy way of information for the Deputy the number of properties owned by my Department is very small. A large majority of schools are patron-owned with only approximately 9% of schools in Ministerial ownership nationwide.
Currently there are seven properties/sites for which there are no immediate building projects planned or in train.
One of the sites was purchased to facilitate a sports hall.
Four sites were purchased to locate schools on but were not needed for that immediate purpose or, in one case, the school could be facilitated on an existing school site. One of the four sites was also used for temporary accommodation up until very recently by a school before it was relocated.
Another site was transferred to the Department under the Redress scheme. On a final site the grounds are currently being used by a nearby school for recreational purposes.
A number of the sites outlined above were also offered for social housing or to assist with the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis but were not deemed suitable by the receiving Departments.
All of the properties/sites are kept under regular review for any future school accommodation or general education needs by my Department.
324. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education to outline what schools have school places available in the Lusk area to facilitate a school place for child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55068/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose.
Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department's projections of school place requirements.
It is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not always be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
• Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. This may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice, however, the Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all students in the area seeking school places.
Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand. Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
The Department's projections for primary school place requirements in Rush & Lusk School Planning Area indicate the peak year was 2022 and declining enrolments thereafter. My Department is progressing a number of building projects in Rush & Lusk School Planning Area under the National Development Plan.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/. The specific information requested is not available at this time.
The requirement for additional school places in the Rush & Lusk School Planning Area is kept under on-going review. Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with the local Council in respect of its review of the Development Plan with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements.
325. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she can assist a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55099/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
326. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the position regarding permission that was sought to proceed to tender stage by a school (details supplied) that has been approved since March 2022 to build a special educational needs base; and the timeframe for a decision on this matter. [55122/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved a school building project under my Department's Additional School Accommodation scheme. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority. The brief for the project is comprised of a special class and a Special Education Teacher room.
The school authority appointed a consultant to manage the delivery of the project. Following approval of the necessary planning consent, the stage 2b architectural report was submitted to my Department where professional and technical officials are currently reviewing it. This review is nearing completion and the outcome of this shall be conveyed to the school authority shortly.
327. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the number of spaces in ASD units in secondary schools in Clare, by school, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55149/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra328. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the number of spaces available in ASD units in secondary schools in Clare; the number of those filled, by school, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55150/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra332. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education her plans to expand places in ASD units in secondary schools in Clare into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55154/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 327, 328 and 332 together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where an additional €113m has been provided which will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools. Just last week a further four new special schools were announced for the 2024/25 school year which will bring the number of special schools nationwide to 134.
Along with the two new special schools, 384 new special classes – 251 at primary and 133 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
Of these 7 are in County Clare, 5 at primary and 2 at post-primary level. This brings to 68 the number of special classes in Clare. The majority of these are autism classes.
The attached document provides a breakdown of the autism classes at post-primary level within the Clare school planning area for the 2023/24 school year. The NCSE has advised that there are vacancies in some classes for this school year. Planning for special classes and places in Clare and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Post-primary Autism Classes in County Clare 2023/24
|
Post-primary Autism Classes in County Clare 2023/24 School Name |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
Number of Classes |
|
St. Joseph's Sec School |
Tulla |
Ennis |
2 |
|
St. Patrick's Comprehensive School |
Shannon |
- |
3 |
|
St. Caimin's Comm School |
Tullyvarraga |
Shannon |
2 |
|
Rice College |
New Road |
Ennis |
1 |
|
St. Joseph's Sec School |
Spanish Point |
Miltown Malbay |
2 |
|
Ennis Community College |
Ennis |
- |
1 |
|
St. Michael's Comm College |
Kilmihill |
Ennis |
1 |
|
St. Anne's Community College |
Killaloe |
- |
1 |
|
St. John Bosco Comm College |
Cahercon |
Kildysart |
1 |
|
Ennistymon Community School |
Lahinch Rd |
Ennistymon |
1 |
329. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the number of spaces in ASD units in primary schools in Clare, by school, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55151/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra330. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the number of spaces available in ASD units in primary schools in Clare; the number of those filled, by school, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55152/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra333. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education her plans to expand places in ASD units in primary schools in Clare into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55155/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 329, 330 and 333 together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where an additional €113m has been provided which will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools. Just last week a further four new special schools were announced for the 2024/25 school year which will bring the number of special schools nationwide to 134.
Along with the two new special schools, 384 new special classes – 251 at primary and 133 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
Of these 7 are in County Clare, 5 at primary and 2 at post-primary level. This brings to 68 the number of special classes in Clare. The majority of these are autism classes.
The attached document provides a breakdown of autism classes at primary level within the Clare school planning area for the 2023/24 school year. The NCSE has advised that there are still vacant places in some classes for this school year. Planning for special classes and places in Clare and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Autism Classes in County Clare 2023/24
|
School Name |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
Number of Classes |
|
S N Baile An Atha |
Killaloe |
- |
2 |
|
Cratloe N.S |
Cratloe |
- |
2 |
|
Kilkishen N.S |
Sn Muire Na D Chomhairl |
Cill Chisin |
2 |
|
Barefield Mixed N.S |
Ennis |
- |
1 |
|
Sixmilebridge N.S |
Ennis |
- |
2 |
|
Parteen N.S. |
Parteen |
- |
1 |
|
Clarecastle N.S. |
Clarecastle |
- |
1 |
|
Ballycar N.S |
Ballycar |
Newmarket On Fergus |
1 |
|
S N Dubh Rath |
Caislean An Chlar |
- |
2 |
|
St Senans N.S |
Corrib Drive |
Shannon |
1 |
|
St John's N.S |
Shannon |
- |
2 |
|
St Conaires N.S |
Tullyvarraga |
Shannon |
1 |
|
S N Naomh Tola |
Tullyglass |
Shannon |
1 |
|
St Aidans N.S |
Smithstown |
Shannon |
1 |
|
Gaelscoil Donncha Rua |
Sionna |
- |
1 |
|
St Mochullas N.S |
Ennis Road |
Tulla |
1 |
|
Scoil Na Maighdine Mhuire |
Ennis Road |
Newmarket-on-Fergus |
1 |
|
Broadford & Kilbane N.S |
Broadford |
- |
1 |
|
Scoil na Mainistreach Quin Dangan |
Quin |
- |
2 |
|
Mullagh N.S |
Mullagh |
Ennis |
1 |
|
Holy Family Snr |
Station Rd |
Ennis |
1 |
|
Doonbeg N.S |
Doonbeg |
- |
1 |
|
Inagh N.S |
Inis |
- |
2 |
|
Ennis N.S |
Ennis |
- |
2 |
|
Holy Family Junior School |
Station Road |
Ennis |
1 |
|
Lissycasey N.S |
Ennis |
- |
2 |
|
Carrigaholt Mixed N.S |
Carrigaholt |
Kilkee |
1 |
|
Scariff Central N.S |
Scariff |
- |
1 |
|
St. Senan's Convent Primary |
Kilrush |
- |
1 |
|
Ennis Educate Together N.S |
Gort Road |
Ennis |
2 |
|
Raheen Wood Steiner N.S |
Raheen Wood |
Tuamgraney |
1 |
331. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the policy in cases in which no place is available in an ASD unit in a primary or secondary school for a child who requires it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55153/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where an additional €113m has been provided which will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools. Just last week a further four new special schools were announced for the 2024/25 school year which will bring the number of special schools nationwide to 134.
Along with the two new special schools, 384 new special classes – 251 at primary and 133 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
The NCSE advise my Department that there are vacant places in a number of special classes across the country at present. Parents should engage with the NCSE at local level for further information.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
