Results 6,001-6,020 of 7,283 for speaker:Josepha Madigan

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: 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...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: I note that this was not part of the Deputy's question. Nonetheless, I have no difficulty in responding to it. First, all supports and resources will be given to all schools that we are requesting under the section 37A process to open a special class. It is important to point out that in the section 37A process, which is a transparent process, all schools are publicly named on the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: Again, it is important to point out that the majority of special classes that are opened in Ireland are opened without having recourse to the section 37A process. The section 37A process has to be utilised and the mechanism has to be triggered in circumstances where the National Council for Special Education and the Department are of the firm view that a school has spare capacity to open a...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: The Deputy's question was about the emergency legislation which was published yesterday and will be before the Dáil tomorrow. Regarding Dublin at present, I answered that question at a press conference with the Minister, Deputy Foley, the other day. Currently, there are 56 children who do not have a special class place in Dublin and there are 49 children who do not have a special...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: It is important to point out there is a new explicit function in this legislation allowing the NCSE to manage and co-ordinate the admission of children with special education needs in co-operation with schools where necessary. That will reduce the burden on parents. What happened on occasion was children who were in a mainstream school were then going into a special class but the NCSE was...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: As the Deputy knows, every special class will be provided with one teacher and two special needs assistants, SNAs, for six children at primary level. At post-primary level, it is 1.5 teachers and two SNAs for six children. Primary schools also receive a mainstream capitation rate of €183 per student. There is also an enhanced capitation rate of €720 per student enrolled in a...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: The training of teachers is very important, particularly when we are talking about special education and before the opening of a special class. The initial teacher training includes modules on special education, which means qualified teachers are already able to support children with special education needs who are in a special class setting. Recognising that teachers in these classes may...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: In my reply I outlined some of the teacher training that takes place prior to the opening of a class. Subsequent to a class being opened, resources are provided on behaviour management, language and literacy, numeracy, metacognition, school self-evaluation, CPD audit tools, teaching methods and organisation, assessment, individualised planning, and co-teaching, and other seminars on...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: I may let the Minister, Deputy Foley, answer Deputy Murnane O'Connor's query on DEIS schools if she has time at some point. On training for teachers, the guidance was developed by an expert working group from the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, and it is important to say that. The Deputy was talking about the mandatory training and I mentioned that there are modules of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: I know this is a matter of great concern to the Deputy and we have spoken about it on a good few occasions. I have made representations to the NCSE on the Deputy's behalf and it is aware of the fact we have spoken about this on numerous occasions. It has said it will compile a report on the need for a special school in Midleton and in the east Cork area. It will undertake a feasibility...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: It is important to stress that, wherever possible, the Department’s approach is to co-locate special schools on campus sites with other schools to maximise the opportunities for integration. The NCSE is only looking at an interim site for Rochestown. In that context, it will be looking for special school provision on the eastern side of Cork city also. I will make sure the NCSE is...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: As I said to Deputy Stanton, I would be happy to do that, perhaps with the NCSE, so we can see in real terms what is happening. The NCSE has committed to undertaking a feasibility study and is aware of the identified need for additional special education placements for students, particularly with autism, in Cork. I understand the Deputy's points that Rochestown and Carrigaline are a bit...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: I thank the Deputy for his question. My understanding is that there has been a substantial increase in the number of schools eligible for DEIS status and the number of DEIS schools is almost double what it was previously. An appeal mechanism is available to schools that believe they should have DEIS status. If the Deputy gives me the details of the case, I will pass them on to the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (29 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would  advise that the exceptional review process is managed solely by the NCSE. As a result I have forwarded your query to the NCSE  for their direct reply to you on the matter .

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (29 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government. This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs. This includes additional teaching and care supports. As a result,...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (29 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs.  Such...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (29 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs.  Such...

Education (Provision in Respect of Children with Special Educational Needs) Bill 2022: Second Stage (1 Jul 2022)

Josepha Madigan: As the Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion, I am very pleased update the House on how this legislation is intended to work to support children with special educational needs to gain access to specialist class placements that can meet their needs. There are 12 sections to the Bill and I will set out more detail on the key provisions under each section. ...

Education (Provision in Respect of Children with Special Educational Needs) Bill 2022: Second Stage (1 Jul 2022)

Josepha Madigan: I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss this legislation and I have listened with interest to the contributions made by Members from all sides of the House. I believe almost 20 spoke. I appreciate that as I am sure does the Minister. As Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion, I am committed to making a difference for students who have special...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (30 Jun 2022)

Josepha Madigan: In May Minister Foley and I announced this year's Summer Programme to allow all primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage. Building on the 2021 programme, all primary and post primary schools can offer a summer programme and in line with last year’s funding,...