Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Ceisteanna (352, 353)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

352. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education if exceptional teaching posts are still available for special schools. [19374/24]

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

353. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education if she will consider an exceptional teaching post for a school (details supplied). [19375/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 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.

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 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs 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 these children.

The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs. The department does not have a role in making individual school determinations. 

The NCSE has confirmed that currently no application as been received from the school for an exceptional teaching post. Schools should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required.

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.

Question No. 353 answered with Question No. 352.