Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
53. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the number of complaints made to the Ombudsman for Children in 2023 concerning education, outlined in the Ombudsman's annual report; her Department's plans to rectify these complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23684/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraComplaints in relation to schools and wider education matters are sent to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and not directly to the Department of Education. The Office of the Ombudsman for Children deals directly with schools on specific issues raised by parents, and these are not collated by the Department. The Department regularly engages with the Ombudsman for Children to provide information to assist in resolving complaints.
Issues raised in correspondence from the Ombudsman for Children during 2023 include: Therapy in Primary Schools; Plan for places for Children with Special Needs; Exceptionally Gifted Children; SET allocations; NCSE Policy advice on Special Schools; and Emergency Works Scheme. The issues raised by the Ombudsman for Children during this time were generally requests for information and clarity on how particular matters were being dealt with.
