Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2024
201. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if an application for the establishment of an ASD unit in a Donegal school (details supplied) has been received; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27136/24]
View answerEnabling 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 school referred to by the Deputy, which is an all girls school, recently expressed an interest in opening a special class.
The NCSE actively encourages expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest.
When assessing the needs in the local area, the NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data.
The NCSE recently contacted the school to advise that a special class has not been sanctioned for the 2024/25 school year. The NCSE advise that a co-educational school in the local area is currently meeting the local needs of children requiring a special school place. The NCSE acknowledge that circumstances may change, and they are committed to ensuring that both parents and schools receive the necessary advice and support. The local special educational needs organiser (SENO) remains available to assist and advise the school.
381 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year 267 at primary and 114 at post primary level. Of these, 12 are in Donegal, 9 at primary level and 3 at post primary. This brings the overall number of special classes in the county to 127.
The NCSE expect to confirm some additional classes very shortly to ensure that a sufficient level of provision is available. The NCSE is confident that through the provision of these classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of all children known to them for September 2024.
