Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

154. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be a review of NCSE policy with the aim to achieving a more efficient system that ensure an increase the number of ASD units in mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28491/21]

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the grants and funding available to schools that are unable to provide ASD units due to either lack of space, lack of staff or lack of other resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28492/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 160 together.

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. The Department of Education will spend approximately €2 Billion or just under 25% of its total educational budget in 2021 on making additional provision for children with special educational needs this year.

It is my belief that children with special educational needs should receive their education in placements which are appropriate to their needs alongside their peers wherever possible unless such an approach would be inconsistent with the best interests of the individual child or other children in the school.

This inclusive approach is consistent with the provisions of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.

Only where it has been assessed that the child is unable to be supported in mainstream education, are special class placements or special school placements recommended and provided for.

Most children with special educational needs receive their education in mainstream classes, many with additional teaching and care supports.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. It has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents. NCSE seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special education placements.

There are planning processes in place at both local and national levels to ensure that the required number of specialist education places come on stream to meet identified need in a timely fashion. Normally, schools are very willing to respond to the emerging needs in their areas.

Where a shortage of places is identified, my Department works closely with the NCSE and the schools in the area to expand provision to meet local need.As Minister, I have powers under Section 37A of the Education Act to compel schools to open places but this is used sparingly and only after all reasonable efforts have been made to secure the cooperation of the schools concerned.

I want to reassure the Deputy that 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.

I can also confirm that the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) continue to be available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.