Special needs education to be discussed by Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education

Among the key issues to be discussed at the meeting are current and future proposals regarding:

• Special Needs Education with specific reference to the use of Special Needs Assistants (SNA)s;
• Traveller education from primary level to further education;
• Resource teacher allocation; and
• Number of resource hours available to children with downs syndrome.

Chairman of the Committee Deputy Damien English said: “Approximately 15% of the entire budget of the Department of Education and Skills – some €1.3 billion – will be spent in support of children with special educational needs this year, which is in line with expenditure in 2010. The provision of frontline services for pupils with special educational needs is a major issue. Therefore, our meeting tomorrow will enable officials from the Department of Education and skills to update the Committee on current and future proposals regarding special needs education, traveller education, resource teacher allocation and the number of resource hours available to children with downs syndrome. Members of the Committee will also have an opportunity to raise any issues on this important matter.”

This meeting will take place on Tuesday, 18th October, in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.30am.

Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o

For further information please contact:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education

Membership

Damien English, TD (Chairman)
Ray Butler, TD
Áine Collins, TD
Joan Collins, TD
Michael Conaghan, TD
Barry Cowen, TD
Seán Crowe, TD
Tom Fleming, TD
Brendan Griffin, TD
John Halligan, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Anthony Lawlor, TD
John Lyons, TD
Nicky McFadden, TD
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, TD
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, TD
Willie O’Dea, TD
Brendan Ryan, TD
Brendan Smith, TD
Peadar Tóibín, TD

Senators

Deirdre Clune,
John Kelly,
Michael Mullins,
Marie Louise O’Donnell,
Averil Power,
Feargal Quinn