Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

740. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the changes that have been introduced to Special Education Support Services; the rationale behind these changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14914/15]

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

The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the establishment within the National Council for Special Education of a new Inclusion Support Service to assist schools in supporting children with special educational needs.

This service will include the Special Education Support Service (SESS), the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) and the Visiting Teacher Service for children who are deaf/hard of hearing and for children who are blind/visually impaired (VTSVHI) which until now have been managed by the Department. This change is to take immediate effect and is consistent with recommendations of NCSE reports and with the review of the VTSVHI.

This change will mean that schools will receive a better and more integrated service. The Inclusion Support Service will build on the existing good work and support which NBSS, SESS and VTSVHI provide to children and their families as well as to teachers and schools and which will continue as normal as the new arrangements are put in place.

Considerations with regard to the manner in which the new Inclusion Support Service will be incorporated within the existing NCSE operational structures, and the financial implications which may arise from the amalgamation of these bodies, is ongoing, and will be established during the course of the integration of the services.

There are transitional arrangements in place to facilitate the continuing operation of the SESS during the transition phase to the new Inclusion Support Service (ISS).