Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Ivor Callely

Question:

109 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself that all primary school children with a learning disability are adequately catered for, particularly children who have special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5260/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Since my appointment as Minister for Education I have attached a particular priority to ensuring that all children with special educational needs are adequately catered for.

In pursuing this objective over the past two years I have introduced a comprehensive range of measures targeted specifically at special needs pupils.

Over the period in question, I allocated an additional 186 remedial teachers to ordinary primary schools. This brought the number of such teachers in place to 1,133.

Over the same period, I appointed an additional 20 resource teachers with the role of supporting ordinary teaching staff in meeting the special needs of children with disabilities attending ordinary schools.

I have also substantially increased the special capitation rates paid to special schools and classes dealing with pupils with special needs.

I also introduced a scheme whereby eligible schools may receive funding towards the provision of escorts on special school transport services. This scheme will also provide funding towards the cost of safety harnesses in appropriate cases.

I also sanctioned the appointment of an additional 10 psychologists to the school psychological service.

I am maintaining this momentum in the current year. As recently announced, I am appointing a further 55 remedial teachers and 10 resource teachers with effect from September next.

I am introducing a one unit improvement in the pupil teacher ratios of special schools and special classes for children with disabilities and traveller children.

I am also arranging for the appointment of an additional 100 child care assistants and these will be of major benefit in assisting teaching staff in dealing with certain categories of special needs pupils.

I am satisfied that the measures which I have taken will be of major benefit to special needs pupils in the primary system. In deploying these resources I have been guided by the recommendations of the Special Education Review Committee.