Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
342. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the pressing need for moderate ID places in the Dublin south west area; if she will urgently ensure that additional spaces are created in a local special school or a class for moderate ID is set up in the area; if she agrees with the need for swift action on this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16564/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra343. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will request that a reason is given for a special school rescinding an offer (details supplied); and if she will ensure that this error is corrected, and this child offered an appropriate space for September 2024. [16565/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority 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 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.
My department engages closely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places.
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.
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.
As a result of forward planning, two new special schools have been established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 391 new special classes – 255 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE.
Of these, 72 are in Dublin, 49 at primary level and 23 at post-primary level. This brings to 535 the number of special classes in Dublin, 409 at primary level and 126 at post-primary level.
Planning for special classes and special school places is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of the new classes will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, requires that where a student has not been offered admission that the school provide the reasons in writing to the applicant, including where applicable their ranking against the selection criteria and place number on the waiting list.
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal where a board of management, or a person acting on behalf of the board of management (normally the school principal) refuses to admit a student to a school. Where the decision to refuse admission is due to the school being oversubscribed, a review of the decision by the board of management must be sought in the first instance. Following a review it is open to the parent to appeal to the independent appeals committee.
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 the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's 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.
