Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 May 2025
156. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she or her Department plan to enhance communication between her Department and the NCSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
Both my department and the NCSE recognise the importance of regular communication at all levels and on all aspects of providing special education services for children. Extensive engagements take place between department officials and the NCSE, to ensure the NCSE meets its objectives as set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.
The NCSE meet with officials from both my Departments Special Education Section and Planning and Building Unit of a weekly basis in relation to the provision of special class and special school places. Both the NCSE and my Department work closely on any new guidance or circular letter or communication to schools in relation to the forward planning of special education provision.
In relation to overall governance and performance delivery, officials from my department's Special Education Section meet members of senior management in the NCSE on a quarterly basis, to discuss progress on NCSE goals and actions relating to supporting schools to enable students with special educational needs achieve better outcomes and to ensure a range of educational placement options are available.
Regular meetings also take place with the NCSE to discuss corporate governance and compliance, including management and financial control, and any issues arising in relation to the operation, expansion, performance or conformance of the NCSE, with particular regard to its compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
In addition to these meetings both myself and Minister McEntee meet with senior NCSE officials on a weekly basis to the discuss the progress being made regarding provision for the 2025/26 school year and to discuss developments regarding the forward planning of future provision.
The department also works closely with the NCSE on other operational matters and interactions take place between department officials and NCSE staff on a daily basis. Such interactions can focus on operational matters such as applications for home tuition grants and the Assistive Technology Scheme.
