Results 2,881-2,900 of 7,283 for speaker:Josepha Madigan

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (21 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: I am very disappointed that it was not possible to have in school teaching and learning for children with significant additional needs which was planned to commence this week until schools reopened fully. We know that these children find online learning very challenging. Over the past year, we have all seen how vital in-person education is for children with complex needs. This matter has...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (21 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. This year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs.As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, SNAs and special class and school places are at unprecedented...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (21 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together. I am very disappointed that it was not possible to have in school teaching and learning for children with significant additional needs which was planned to commence this week until schools reopened fully. We know that these children find online learning very challenging. Over the past year, we have all seen how vital in-person education...

Personal Explanation by Minister of State (20 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: I wish to correct the record of the House with regard to the context of a word I used last Thursday afternoon when speaking about students without special educational needs. The word was not appropriate, I did not use it intentionally and it was not what I meant to say. While I publicly apologised last Thursday, I wish to restate that apology on the floor of the House. I withdraw the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (20 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 279, 280, 288, 297, 299, 301, 312, 315, 320, 323, 324 and 327 together. I am very disappointed that work to support children with complex needs at this difficult time has not been able to proceed. Over the past year, we have all seen how vital in-person education is for children with complex needs. This matter has been highlighted not only by the families of...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (20 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: My Department provides for the education of children through the provision of recognised schools. Recognised schools must fulfil a number of conditions regarding qualified and registration of teachers, curriculum, inspection and other matters. The Irish constitution recognises the family as the primary educator of the child and defines duties and responsibilities for parents and the State in...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (20 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 304 together. I am very disappointed that work to support children with complex needs at this difficult time has not been able to proceed. Over the past year, we have all seen how vital in-person education is for children with complex needs. This matter has been highlighted not only by the families of the children themselves, but also by all the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (20 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: DES Circular 0013/2017 for primary schools and 0014/2017 for post primary schools set out details of a new model for allocating special education teachers to schools. DES Circulars 0007/2019 for primary schools and 0008/2019 for post primary schools also provide details of how the allocations are being updated for schools from September 2019, based on updated profile data. All schools...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Equipment (20 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: As a contingency measure for the possibility of partial or full school closures, my Department provided to schools in October a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to mediate the curriculum safely for all learners in a Covid-19 context. These documents have been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 which required all schools to put in place...

Covid-19 (Education): Statements (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: Obviously, even though we have a shared commitment and ambition to reopen next Thursday, there are still some ongoing discussions on logistics and other issues that need to be ironed out. Concurrent communication is something that is being discussed by all of the groups, including the parents representatives and our education partners and is something of which we are very conscious. The...

Covid-19 (Education): Statements (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: Special schools will reopen on Thursday, 21 January. I appreciate the stories Deputy Higgins outlined and how incredibly difficult it has been for children with special educational needs over the recent period. We had a very constructive engagement with our education partners, which was done in a very collaborative way, as the Deputy said, and it is of benefit that the schools will reopen...

Covid-19 (Education): Statements (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: I am very aware of Rosedale School. I spoke with Angelina Hynes last week and I understand the difficulties the school faces. I echo the comments of the Minister. The school will open next Thursday. There will be one-to-one remote support in the interim to help. I am particularly aware of the issues facing special schools.

Covid-19 (Education): Statements (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the important matter of special education during the current restrictions. We are all conscious of the importance of abiding by the public health guidance and limiting our movements as part of the efforts to tackle Covid-19. The current period of restrictions comes at a very grave time for our country and is designed to reduce transmission while also...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: I thank Deputy O'Donnell very much for his question. He must have his finger on the pulse, as there is very good news following our discussions with the unions this morning in that there is a shared commitment to reopen all special classes in primary schools, special schools, and classes for children with SEN in mainstream classes from next Thursday, 21 January. This is a positive...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Accommodation (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.  This year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs.   As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, SNAs and special...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: My Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.  The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders. All parties are working together towards...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: My Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.  The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders. All parties are working together towards...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: My Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.  The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders. All parties are working together towards...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: My Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.  The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders. All parties are working together towards...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (14 Jan 2021)

Josepha Madigan: My Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.  The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders. All parties are working together towards...