Dáil debates

Thursday, 30 May 2019

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

3:40 pm

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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St. John's special school in Dungarvan opened in 1969 to serve children with a mild general learning disability in the west Waterford area. The school has expanded rapidly in the past few years. It caters for pupils aged between four and 18 years with a mild, moderate and severe to profound learning disability. Many of these pupils also present with additional needs.

The children enrolling in this school have complex needs and most have co-occurring physical, sensory or emotional needs. Many also have various syndromes such as Down's and Prader-Willi syndrome, which are life-limiting conditions, and medical issues. The school serves a broad catchment area which covers Dungarvan, west Waterford, east Cork and parts of south Tipperary. There are 63 pupils enrolled in the school. On the basis of projections and inquiries about enrolments, pupil numbers are expected to increase. I have been informed by the principal that the school building and facilities on offer are no longer fit for purpose. Staff endeavour to provide the best service possible for their pupils and their families.

The school is awaiting final stage sanction for a new extension. The staff appreciate the two extensions provided in 2011 and 2015 but following provision under the current application capacity on the site will have been reached. A long-term solution is needed in order that the school can plan properly for future generations. As I said, current enrolment stands at 63 but, in September 2019, it will be 72. There is a waiting list of six for September 2019 and the school is taking inquiries for September 2020. It is important to make the point that the children on the waiting list do not have the option of applying to another school in the area as their special needs would not be met. There have been eight inquiries for September 2020 and based on the level of interest this year that number is expected to increase. It is anticipated that the number of children seeking to enrol in St John’s school will continue to increase significantly in the next few years. It is difficult to predict numbers coming from mainstream school settings but if the pattern of the past few years continues numbers will increase significantly.

The school is awaiting a decision from the Department of Education and Skills on its application for a third extension. While the staff acknowledge and thank the Department for the two extensions already provided, the current premises will have reached saturation point on the completion of the new extension and a new school will become necessary. One wonders if a third extension is value for money when enrolments are expected to increase.

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, who is unable to be here due to other commitments.

The Minister is fully aware of the situation at St. John's special school and, with his officials, he is fully committed to ensuring that the project at the school is carried out as quickly as possible.

In March 2018, the Department of Education and Skills approved a grant for this school for the construction of three mainstream classrooms. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority. This means that the board of management takes on responsibility to ensure the approved scope of work is delivered and grant limits are adhered to. In July 2018, this approval was subsequently changed and approval was given to build a two classroom special educational needs, SEN, base, which comprises a full suite of accommodation, including a sensory room and a break out room. This type of accommodation is more appropriate to the needs of the school and the board of management accepted the revised accommodation brief.

In February 2019 the Department of Education and Skills received costings and plans for the proposed building from the board of management. The plans submitted included additional floor area and the cost estimate was significantly above the approved grant. What the board of management now proposes is a three-classroom SEN base over two floors. The school's consultant has advised that as the site is restricted it is his opinion that the only viable option is a two-storey structure. It is accepted by the Department that the school site in question is confined in nature. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that departmental officials have reviewed this new proposal, approved the additional scope of work and advised the school to proceed to planning with the proposed design.

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for the welcome news that the board of management's proposal for a three-classroom SEN base over two floors has been approved and the project can now proceed to planning with the proposed design. It is important to reiterate that children with complex needs do not have the option of choosing a school. St. John's special school is a fantastic facility, with dedicated staff. However, forward planning is essential.

I welcome the approval for the three-classroom SEN base and appreciate that two extensions have been provided at the school in the past eight years. This new provision will be the third at the school. I reiterate that given the significant number of children presenting to the school with special and complex needs, a long-term solution will have to be put in place in the next five to ten years. I again welcome the news outlined by the Minister of State.

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I always like to give the Deputy good news.

As I am always giving her good news with regard to jobs, it is good to give her good news on education in Dungarvan and Waterford. She has outlined a very justified case on the school and its needs. There is willingness on the part of the Department to accept that and to provide the funding required for the extra school spaces. That has been demonstrated by the revised accommodation brief. It is good news for Waterford and everybody concerned. I hope the project can proceed as quickly as possible and that planning can be granted in order that building work can proceed. It will help to alleviate the problem but what else will help pupils and teachers, since it is important that they are recognised, with their educational needs?