Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when a place in an ASD unit can be facilitated in the case of the son of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24694/24]
View answerI understand that this is an anxious time for parents who are seeking a school place for their child for September and I would like to assure the Deputy that this government is determined to alleviate the pressures faced by parents when seeking a special educational placement.
In relation to the child referred to by the Deputy, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised my department that they are currently enrolled on early years Home Tuition for the school year 2023/2024. The Special Education Needs Officer (SENO) has been in ongoing engagement with the family and is providing information in relation to accessing a primary special class for the 2024/2025 school year or 2025/2026 school year. The NCSE has also provided information in relation to Early Intervention classes which support pre-school children with autism.
My department and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.
In relation to places for the coming 2024/2025 school year, the NCSE have sanctioned just over 350 new special classes.
I have asked the NCSE to ensure classes are established as a matter of urgency and to keep all families seeking class places updated on an ongoing basis to ensure their children can access the provision to which they are entitled.
I referenced earlier that this government is committed to alleviating the pressures faced by parents seeking a special educational placement.
Significant additional resources and funding of €13 million have been allocated to the NCSE to allow for the expansion of its services, which will bolster the level of service and provide effective structures to relieve pressure on parents.
This funding has allowed for, among other things, a significant increase in the number of SENOs which will increase from 73 to 120 by next September. These SENOs will work closely with children, their families and schools on the ground in order to provide the necessary supports.
Additional administrative support staff, team managers and other professionals are also being employed to allow SENOs concentrate on working directly with schools and families.
