Written answers

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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555. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed new criteria for determining the allocation of additional educational resources are too restrictive, and that their narrow interpretation could work against the provision of additional supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6123/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that, the National Council for Special Education published its Report on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs on 18th June 2014.

This Report was prepared by a Working Group, appointed by the NCSE and Chaired by Mr Eamon Stack, which included representatives from disability organisations and also parent representative bodies.

An extensive consultation process was undertaken by the Working Group with stakeholders to inform the development of its report. Consultation meetings were held with the Health Service Executive, teachers, principals, union officials, parents, school management bodies, National Educational Psychological Services, advocacy groups, the Inspectorate, and Special Educational Needs Organisers.

Subsequent to the publication of the NCSE working group report, my Department invited education partners, stakeholders, and parent representative groups to make written submissions in relation to the NCSE report. 29 such written submissions have been received to date.

In October last year, officials at my Department held consultations with primary and post primary management bodies, teacher organisations, groups representing those with disabilities and parents' representatives.

Officials again met with representatives from these groups on 20th, 22nd and 30th of January last in order to further consult with these bodies.

In the course of the consultations a number of stakeholders raised the issue of the criteria which might be put in place to identify pupils with complex special educational needs, as recommended by the Working Group report. I can advise that this matter is currently under consideration and no final decisions have been taken in relation to this issue. I can also confirm that officials have advised all stakeholders that there will be ongoing consultation with them as the work on the development of the model progresses.

I hope to make an announcement in relation to the proposed new allocation model shortly, in order to give clarity to schools regarding the allocation process for the coming school year.

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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556. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when it is proposed to introduce the new system for allocation of resources for special education needs; if the introduction of the new system will be piloted; if not, the reasons for not doing so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6124/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that, the National Council for Special Education published its Report on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs on 18th June 2014.

This Report was prepared by a Working Group, appointed by the NCSE and Chaired by Mr Eamon Stack, which included representatives from disability organisations and also parent representative bodies.

An extensive consultation process was undertaken by the Working Group with stakeholders to inform the development of its report. Consultation meetings were held with the Health Service Executive, teachers, principals, union officials, parents, school management bodies, National Educational Psychological Services, advocacy groups, the Inspectorate, and Special Educational Needs Organisers.

Subsequent to the publication of the NCSE working group report, my Department invited education partners, stakeholders, and parent representative groups to make written submissions in relation to the NCSE report. 29 such written submissions have been received to date.

In October last year, officials at my Department held consultations with primary and post primary management bodies, teacher organisations, groups representing those with disabilities and parents' representatives.

Officials again met with representatives from these groups on 20th, 22nd and 30th of January last in order to further consult with these bodies.

In the course of the consultations a number of stakeholders raised the issue as to whether the proposed new allocation model could be piloted in some schools, prior to the full introduction of the model. Consideration is now being given to this issue.

I can also confirm that officials have advised all stakeholders that there will be ongoing consultation with them as the work on the development of the model progresses.

I hope to make an announcement in relation to the proposed new allocation model shortly, in order to give clarity to schools regarding the allocation process for the coming school year.

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