Results 10,161-10,180 of 19,576 for speaker:Norma Foley

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: On the school inclusion model, this is spread across 73 schools and covers three counties, namely, Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. It is an inclusive and good model. The Deputy is correct that it is one we are seeking to trial. I appreciate his personal interest in this subject. Within this model, there are 12 therapists and four National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: It is also important that the necessary supports are in place. The Department has provided schools with guidelines concerning how to implement the reduced school days. As part of this approach, schools are required to engage with the variety of services available. This includes the SENOs, who are particularly relevant in this situation. The Tusla education support service will monitor...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: Tuigim é sin agus is dócha go bhfuil an Ghaeilge faoi bhláth de bharr an méid atá ar siúl sa scoil. I appreciate that. There may be an opportunity for engagement through the review process. Regarding the behaviours of concern, I am conscious, especially when I visit special schools and those that have children with particular challenges, that there are...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: What is the issue with CHO 9?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: That is through the HSE. I would have to direct the matter to the HSE, but I will transfer that to my colleague.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: On the assessment of need, the Deputy will appreciate it is a HSE issue but I can follow up on it with my colleague. On the Deputy's area, it is important to say that we have been successful, and I acknowledge the Deputy's local school communities. An additional 11 classes within her area have opened up, which is such a positive news story.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: On the New Brunswick model she referenced, which I am aware of, we are intent the model be very much an Irish model. You can take best practice from various places, but it is important we have a model that meets the needs within our own country. For example, we referenced earlier things like the school inclusion model-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: -----and various different initiatives we have working towards acknowledging that different situations demand different solutions, remedies or whatever and recognising there is a uniqueness within our own situation. On the State Examinations Commission specifically and reasonable accommodations, irrespective of whatever the health condition may be, at the end of every running of the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: Is the Deputy referring to the New Brunswick model?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: As regards summer provision, I have already stated that there has been a substantial increase in schools taking up the summer provision programme. It is not enough and I would be the first to say that. I also clearly articulated that we are looking at a variety of models of best practice internationally, and even going beyond that to see what other types of resources we can put in place to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: Absolutely.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: The Deputy referred to an assessment for SNAs. I made it clear that there is no assessment for SNAs. There is an appeals system for every aspect of the education sector. The appeals system adjudicates the needs of the school and student. It is an independent mechanism and is afforded across a variety of different aspects of education. There is very much forward planning when it comes...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I articulated the view that it is the job of the NCSE to work with parents to alleviate stress and any challenge that they might face, and to make accessing supports, classes or whatever more seamless. I was very clear in what I said.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I cannot disagree with any of the points made by the Deputy. We have made enormous strides in terms of technology over a long period but particularly in the last couple of years. We have seen the enormous benefits. If we are to follow through and build on that, we need to take the next step. The State Examinations Commission is charged with conducting examinations and has ultimate...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: To be fair, they have raised that with me previously, which I acknowledge.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: In terms of school transport, children with additional needs are entitled to the school transport system. Where the system is readily available, it is made available. Where there is a particular challenge, alternative arrangements can be put in place with regard to access to a taxi or other means to get them to school. They are entitled to that. More than €289 million has been made...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: The point that I made about the new model from the NCSE is that there are new additional supports. The professional development service for teachers, PDST, already engages with schools. In terms of supports, I have said from the very beginning, in advance of any special classes being set up, that the provision is there for two SNAs and one teacher for six students, and that is automatic. ...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: Significant supports have been provided to schools with additional hours - class hours specifically - for schools to distribute as they saw fit. The emphasis was on reintegrating children into the school system, supporting schools in what they felt would meet the needs of students. In excess of €52 million was expended in that respect. For some, it was additional to teaching hours,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I thank Deputy Tully. On her first point about disability and autism training, I absolutely see where she is coming from. I spent long enough teaching to appreciate the importance of giving confidence, and confidence will only come when people feel they have the familiarity and training in it. Regarding the Teaching Council, inclusive education is now part of the initial teacher training...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I will start with the last question regarding school transport. The waiving of school transport fees was introduced as a cost-of-living measure. This time last year over 103,000 children in mainstream education were availing of it. Presently 124,000 tickets are available free of charge to families. That is an increase of over 20% of children availing of the school transport system. That...