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

I spoke already about the Ombudsman for Children's report. I very much welcome the fact that he has now published his report. The Department had a significant level of engagement with the Office of the Ombudsman for Children to make sure he had the full facts in order that he could reflect that in his recommendations. It is important to point out that while the State may have failed in its obligations over many decades, the Ombudsman for Children acknowledged the progress that has been made by this Government in the last two years. It is important to say that.

He acknowledged the investment of €2 billion, which is over 25% of the Department's budget, on special education. That amount is the same as the entire amount for the Department of Justice and is a recognition and acknowledgement of the importance of special education.

Yesterday, we published new emergency legislation which will assist in the section 37A process. We have outlined a number of different measures over the last two years. The Department's geographical information system will continue to support a strategic and co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of special educational needs, SEN, provision, which is the main point the Ombudsman for Children was making in terms of forward planning. That forward planning probably was not up to standard in the sense that we were in a difficulty in trying to find appropriate placements for a small but important minority for this September. I expect the emergency legislation will assist with that.

The Ombudsman for Children also made some points about National Council for Special Education, NCSE, training. Those targeted and bespoke supports will continue as well. Last year, for the first time, we secured a commitment from the planning and building unit that all new schools in the future will automatically provide a SEN base, which is four classrooms in a post-primary school of 1,000 pupils and pro rataafter that.

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