Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I reassure him that the legislative process that is under way is fully transparent. It is published on the departmental website where the Deputy can look at it at any stage. I do not disagree with him. I am aware that one particular child in Dublin North-West is looking for a place and that the NCSE is engaging regularly with the child's parents. While it is not ideal, there is an interim measure of a home tuition scheme. It involves approximately 20 hours per week for a child over the age of three and ten hours per week for a child under the age of three, but that is only an interim measure. As the first dedicated Minister of State with responsibility for special education, I am very mindful of a child not having a school place, which is a fundamental right for every child in this country. There has to be equal opportunity, regardless of whether a child has special needs, and I am determined to set out the way I will achieve that.

The Deputy mentioned forecasting. We are working on a forecasting model in the Department, which I hope will tackle this perennial problem. It did not just happen this year; it happened in other years also. Extenuating circumstances can arise during the year where a child may suddenly need a place. A new professional report can suggest a change in the type of placement required. Sometimes the parents decide that the child should remain in early years education or parents may opt for a mainstream class instead of a special class or special school. What pops up, therefore, is an additional place that a child needs. It is not as straightforward as some would like to believe. I would have been of the same view until I came into this Department but I am determined to assist in any way I can.

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