Written answers

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

585. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will add Down's syndrome to the list of low-incidence disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13090/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recommended the introduction of a new resource allocation model for schools. The NCSE observed that such a model would overcome difficulties potentially affecting all children with mild general learning disabilities, who have additional difficulties, including children with Down syndrome, as they would, under the new model, be supported according to their level of need and in line with their learning plan process.

I recently announced that I am not proposing to change the way teachers are allocated to schools for children with Special Educational Needs for the coming school year. In taking this decision, I have been guided by the advice of the NCSE Working Group report, which recommended sufficient time be allowed for consultation before the new model is implemented.

Through consultations, there was a broad welcome for the proposed new model from Parents, disability groups, schools and stakeholders. However, there has not been sufficient time to address all of the concerns which have been raised in advance of the 2015 school year.

In the context of the recent announcement that the proposed new model for allocating resource teachers to schools will not now be introduced from September 2015, I have reviewed the position in relation to what steps might be taken to improve educational provision for children with Down syndrome in mainstream schools.

On 24th of March, I announced that the Government has agreed that additional resources will be allocated to schools, as an interim measure, to support those children with Down syndrome, who are not already supported through the National Council for Special Education's (NCSE) annual allocation process.

This measure is being introduced now in recognition of the length of time it will take to introduce the new resource teacher model which was recommended by the NCSE.

Under the interim measure schools will receive 2.5 resource teacher hours per week for each qualifying child.

This new allocation means there will now be certainty regarding the provision which will be made for children with Down syndrome with a Mild General Learning Difficulty.

As my Department is continuing to develop the new allocation model for schools and is currently working to devise a pilot of the new model, I do not propose to amend the current list of low incidence disabilities pending the introduction of a new allocation model.

I can confirm, however, that interim allocations for children with Down syndrome, as set out above, will remain in place until such time as the proposed new model for allocating teaching supports to children with special education needs comes into force.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.