Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2024
85. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if there are plans by her Department to open a new special school in the Dublin mid-west constituency in order to meet demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45490/24]
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.
As announced last month by myself and Minister Foley, there are two new special school planned for Dublin along with three others in counties Cork, Monaghan and Tipperary for the 2025/26 school year. The exact location, size of the schools and other details are currently being worked through.
These schools will provide for children and young people with complex special education needs up to 18 years of age. They are being sanctioned as early as possible as part of advanced forward planning for the next school year to ensure that appropriate placements are available where needed to meet the needs of students with special educational needs.
The announcement of these schools is a significant step forward. Part of the forward planning process looks at how far students are travelling to access an education appropriate to their needs. This is an important factor which has been incorporated into the decision making process. In addition, information held on the department's Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in relation to student demographics and other statistical data also forms part of the process. NCSE knowledge of the need for special school places at local level is a key element also.
The early announcement of the new schools is an important milestone because it allows more time for the planning of school admissions, recruitment of staff, staff training and completion of necessary building works.
It is envisaged that existing buildings will be repurposed to facilitate the opening of the new special schools for the 2025/26 school year. Further details such as the precise location of the new schools in each county will be confirmed in due course as part of the finalisation of arrangements for the opening of the new special schools.
Dedicated working groups will be established to support the establishment of each of the new special schools.
