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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Education Review Committee Recommendations.

Mary Wallace

Question:

534 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the recommendations of the Special Education Review Committee which she intends to implement in the coming 12 months. [15921/96]

A departmental task force was established to examine the recommendations contained in the Special Education Review Committee Report, with a view to drawing up a phased action plan for its implementation. The task force has drawn up an action plan with the aim of giving effect to the review committee's recommendations over a four year target period, having regard to likely resource availability and the need to prioritise responses.

I have adopted a positive approach in relation to the recommendations and wish to see them implemented as quickly as possible.

A range of measures have already been implemented and others are being implemented as resources permit. I have implemented the following measures to improve educational services: a very substantial increase in special capitation rates payable to pupils attending special schools and classes; a one unit improvement in the pupil teacher ratio for special schools and classes in the 1995-96 school year; the upgrading of specialised equipment required in special schools and classes; a pilot scheme for the provision of escorts and safety harness on certain school transport services to assist pupils with special needs; the counting of pupils enrolled in special classes in ordinary national schools in determining the enrolment of the school for staffing purposes: the recruitment of additional psychologists; the appointment of additional remedial and resource teachers, bringing the total number of posts in the primary sector to 1,188 and 36 respectively; the appointment of additional child care assistants to special schools, bringing the total number of such posts to 232.
I am satisfied that the measures which I have outlined will contribute to a significant improvement in the level of service available to special needs children. As Minister for Education I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wide range of special needs. I have to determine priorities and try to allocate resources to best effect.
I will be keeping the question of further measures in this area under ongoing review in the context of the recommendations of the Special Education Review Committee.
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