Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
173. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if an ASD placement will be secured for a person (details supplied) who is waiting two years for a placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22191/24]
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 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.
The NCSE has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) continues to work closely with the family regarding special education placements options. The NCSE is actively working on enhancing capacity in the local area and remain available to assist and advise the parent of students with special educational need. The local SENO will continue to keep the family updated on developments at a local level.
Almost 300 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE nationwide for the 2024/25 school year, and of these 30 are in County Dublin. This means there is now over 3,000 special classes in our education system. The NCSE continue to sanction classes for the coming school year. As these new classes are sanctioned, the NCSE will support families to make applications for places.
My department engages 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.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
