Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
514. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 508 of 20 March 2024, if she can advise in relation to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14845/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government.
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.
In 2023, my department spent over €2.6 billion on special education and further progress will be made this year as an additional €113 million 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).
Budget 2024 has provided for a number of targeted measures to support special schools. These measures are effective for the 2024/25 school-year.
Firstly, the removal of the current 15 teacher threshold for the appointment of Administrative Deputy Principals in special schools which cater for children with special educational needs, so that all of these schools, rather than just a quarter of them, can benefit from having an Administrative Deputy Principal. These posts will be instrumental in assisting Principals with leadership and management functions and to support learning and parental and community engagement. This will make a real difference to staff and students in our special schools.
Secondly an additional allocation of 100 teaching posts will be provided to special schools. I am very conscious that our special schools provide an education for children and young people aged from 4 – 18 years of age and these posts will allow schools to deliver a greater range of the national curriculum subjects and to improve student progression and transition. Within individual allocations each special school is free to determine how to use this additional allocation. This could include hiring subject specific post-primary teachers.
In addition, special schools will also benefit from the increase in capitation grants for all schools. I was also happy to secure funding to continue to provide an enhanced summer programme for students with special educational needs, with a focus again on children in special schools.
My department is also working closely with the NCSE to further support special schools in relation to a range of issues relating to administration, curriculum and training.
These measures will ensure that my department can deliver 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.
I want to assure you also that 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.
