Local Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed details of the arrangements to apply for the application of the additional targeted supports for special schools announced in Budget 2024.

Special schools provide an education for children and young people with the most significant special educational needs.

A key feature of Budget 2024 is the provision of an additional €11 million specifically targeted at these schools.

This additional funding provides for:

• The removal of the current 15 teacher threshold for the appointment of Administrative Deputy Principals in special schools.
• A further 100 teaching posts targeted at special schools with post-primary aged students.

Senator McGreehan said, “89 special schools will benefit from the additional Administrative Deputy Principal posts from September next including St. Brigid’s, Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk and ABACAS School, Priest’s Lane in Drogheda. The additional post-primary teaching posts will facilitate special schools to deliver a greater range of national curriculum subjects at junior and senior cycle, providing access to programmes that are age and stage appropriate, and that build on individual strengths and promote progression and transition.

“Four special schools in Louth will benefit from a new or increased allocation of post-primary teaching hours including ABACAS School Drogheda,St. Brigid’s, Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk, St. Ita’s, Crushrod Avenue, Drogheda, and St. Mary’s in Dunleer“.

“These additional funds further enhance the investment in our education system and reflect Fianna Fáil’s commitment in Government to a quality inclusive school system and improved learning outcomes for every student.”