Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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107. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the situation in relation to the provision of an ASD-specific school in the Dublin 12 area will be clarified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40016/20]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.

Next 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 levels.

Since my appointment, I have met with a wide range of representative associations and advocates from the Special Education Sector. All of these groups have raised very important issues in relation to how they consider that improvements can be made to special education services.

Through better planning at both national and local level, it is my objective that specialist education places should come on stream to meet emerging demand on a timely basis. However, the active collaboration of school communities is essential in this regard.

The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and special school places nationally, to meet identified need. This process is ongoing.

Notwithstanding the extent of the investment in special education and the supports which have been put in place, I am also very conscious that there are some parts of the country, including South Dublin, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.

NCSE is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and others across South Dublin to bring the required additional special education placements on stream.

A potential location in terms of the provision of additional special school places for the Dublin 12 area has been identified and my Department has had engagement with the building owner in this regard.

Discussions are ongoing regarding the next steps in utilising this accommodation for special school places.

This work will continue until every child has access to a suitable education. In the meantime, Special Educational Needs Organisers are available to support both families and schools who need help or advice.

My Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education and I want to reassure you that the delivery of the necessary additional provision is being progressed as an absolute priority.