Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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267. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will instruct officials in her Department to open a second ASD unit at a school (details supplied) to serve the needs of ASD students whilst the process of building takes place in the intervening period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46417/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I want to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.

This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.

This includes additional teaching and care supports.

As a result, the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants 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.

Over the last two years, my Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special needs placements ahead of each new school-year. My Department and the NCSE continue to work very closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand.

I am satisfied that this more joined up approach is delivering. Through this intensive intervention, we have seen 383 new special classes open, bringing the total of special classes to 2,535 opened nationwide for the 2022/23 school-year. The 383 new special classes for 2022/23 is broken down by 253 at primary level and 130 at post primary level.

In relation to the school specifically referenced by the Deputy, I am advised that there is ongoing engagement with and support for the school by the NCSE. The school currently has one ASD special class, opened in their existing accommodation.

I am also advised that NCSE is currently engaged with the school regarding the establishment of further special class provision at the school.

A building project for this school is in the early stages of the tender process. The Design Team are issuing invitations to tender. Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged works will commence in Quarter 2 of 2023 with a construction timeframe of 22 months. On completion, this project will deliver accommodation for 2 special classes.

My Department and the NCSE work closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand.

Should the NCSE sanction the opening of a second class in the intervening period, my Department will also engage with the school in relation to the provision of an additional special class to serve the needs of students with ASD while the process of building takes place.

My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.

I want to reassure you also 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.

The local SENO engages regularly with the school and families locally and remains available to the school to provide further advice and support.