Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
388. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education her plans to regularise or provide guidelines for the assessment of needs process vis a vis regulation of interpretation of diagnoses; if there are guidelines for SENO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11843/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assessment of Need (AON) is a statutory process under the Disability Act (2005) whereby the Health Service Executive (HSE) reports on the health and education needs of a child/young person. The provision of Guidelines for the assessment of needs process is a matter for the HSE.
With regards to the education aspect, if within the AON process the HSE Assessment Officer forms the opinion there may be a need for an education service to be provided to an applicant, they will request the NCSE to nominate persons with the appropriate expertise to assist in carrying out the assessment of education needs. The NCSE is obliged to nominate a person with appropriate expertise to assist in the carrying out of the assessment of education needs. Where the child is enrolled in a school, the Education of Persons with Special Education Needs Act (EPSEN) 2004 identifies the principal as one of the person(s) the NCSE can nominate. In turn, the principal may nominate a teacher in the school to assist in carrying out an assessment of education needs.
The NCSE provides comprehensive supports for schools as outlined as follows:
• Detailed guidance
• An FAQ document
• Email support at aon@ncse.ie
• Phone support or further access to online and in person specialist support
NCSE have specialist trained advisors to aid in the completion of the education assessment. The education assessment report is returned to the HSE where the HSE Assessment Officer will compile and finalise the AON report .
