Vol. 489 No. 1
29 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the capacity of special schools to accommodate children in need of special supports; his views on whether there is adequate accommodation to meet these needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7443/98]
There are a total of 119 special schools dedicated to meeting the educational needs of children who require special supports. Each special school is equipped to cater for a a particular range of special needs. The schools in question have an overall capacity to cater for approximately 7,700 pupils. All the schools in question enjoy significantly reduced pupil teacher ratios and attract special levels of funding.
Thers is a total of 703 special classes in place at present. These special classes have a capacity to cater for approximaely 8,200 pupils. The classes in question enjoy the same levels of special support as that made available to special schools dealing with the same range of needs.
Not all children with special needs require placement in a special school. In many instances, such children can be suitably catered for in special classes attached to ordinary primary schools or on a fully integrated basis, with the support where necessary of remedial or resource teachers.
Children with special needs who are fully integrated into ordinary primary schools are supported by 1,242 remedial teachers and 78 resource teachers. Some of these children are also supported by the visiting teacher service.
My Department is prepared to give positive consideration to applications for the establishment of additional special schools or special classes where the need for such provision has been properly established.
I am satisfied that the range of provision in place, coupled with my Department's willingness to facilitate any necessary expansions in that provision, offers the necessary assurance of adequate provision in the special needs area.
