Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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444. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has examined the proposals from some schools to facilitate an alternative to the in-person supplementary programme to support the education and-or care needs of pupils with complex needs scheme in the homes of children with additional needs (details supplied); if schools will be allowed to proceed with these alternative plans while waiting for the full reopening of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8691/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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My Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.

Following intensive engagement and input from primary, post-primary and special education partners, a framework has now been developed and agreed with all partners, including unions and management, in order to achieve a phased return to in-school provision for children with special educational needs.

Under the framework the following phased return to in-school provision has been agreed:

Phase 1:Special schools reopened on Thursday 11th February 2021. In accordance with this agreement pupils will attend on a 50 per cent basis to allow for attendance of reduced numbers within the school setting. This will be reviewed in line with public health advice.

Phase 2:Primary and Post-Primary Special Classes will reopen from Monday 22nd February 2021.Pupils are expected to attend these classes on a full-time basis.

Special classes at primary and post-primary level will be supported in their return by the enhanced school teams put in place by the HSE and the Department of Education. Updated guidance and information on the supports for schools has been made available to primary schools, and will be made available to post-primary schools in advance of the return.

It is not possible to facilitate the return to school of other pupils/students with special educational needs without the agreement of all stakeholders. This includes the use of school buildings to deliver the supplementary programme.

Intensive engagement is continuing with education stakeholders, towards a full return of all students to in-person teaching and learning in primary and post primary schools as soon as possible and when it is safe to do so.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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445. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a suitable school placement cannot be found for a person (details supplied). [8719/21]

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.

This 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.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. 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.

In relation to the case referenced by the Deputy, the parent is advised to contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) in respect of any difficulty they are experiencing regarding a suitable placement. SENO contact details are available on the NCSE website at: . A copy of this reply is being passed to the NCSE.

In circumstances where no placement is available for a child with special educational needs, the Department can provide Home Tuition grant funding towards the provision of 20 hours home tuition per week as an interim measure until the NCSE confirms that a placement is available.