Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for the points they have raised and for the amendments they have put forward. I absolutely accept in good faith the manner in which they were all made. I think we have a shared objective here, which is to realise the maximum potential for all students, and in this instance, particularly for students with additional needs, and the provision of special classes or placements in special schools for them. I have referenced the various issues with the amendments that have been proposed. There is an absolute priority here in streamlining the section 37A process. We know that it has been used in two previous instances. On one occasion the process lasted for more than 18 months. It is imperative that the process should be streamlined and the legislation enacted as quickly as possible. That is also the view of the advocacy groups. I know that the Deputies are aware of that. Through what we are doing today and as we move forward with it, we are ensuring that the process will take no more than six to eight weeks.

On the provision of resources, I have outlined very clearly to the House that significant resources are provided by the Department of Education. I also wish to state that this is a step-by-step process that is undertaken with the schools, the NCSE and the special needs organisers working on the ground. It is a step-by-step process where schools are worked with collectively and individually to ensure that they have the confidence and the ability to open special classes or to provide fo additional places in the special schools. Again, I wish to reiterate that significant resources are provided by the Department of Education, including the provision of additional teaching staff, with one teacher and at least two SNAs being provided for every six pupils in a special class and 1.5 teachers and at least two SNAs being provided for every six students at post-primary level. As I have said, all of the works in terms of reconfiguration from a planning and a building point of view are resourced by the Department, and equally, accommodation is 100% funded by the Department. Additional grants are also provided by the Department, such as the classroom start-up grant, the furniture grant, the ICT grant and improved capitation funding in recognition of what is happening in the schools. Training is provided for staff in schools opening special classes, and there is liaison between the school and the relevant NCSE adviser. As has been referenced, there are some aspects that are not within the remit of the Department of Education, specifically in relation to amendment No. 4. I appreciate the good faith in which Deputy Ó Ríordáin has brought the amendment. In an ideal scenario, 31 March would be the cut-off point. Indeed, that is our intention. However, as I have outlined, there will always be exceptions. It will not be workable for us if there is a lack of flexibility, with a period of five months when we cannot engage with schools on provision for exceptional cases as they can arise. There are limited circumstances, as we know, in which issues can arise and impact a school's engagement with the NCSE. It could be a case of delayed diagnosis. It could be a student is arriving from abroad. Indeed, a number of such students have recently arrived in Ireland. It is for that reason that we have included the provision. I appreciate that the Deputy has acknowledged those points in his withdrawal of amendment No. 4.

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