Vol. 493 No. 5
250 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, made in improving special needs education, particularly in relation to the mentally handicapped in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16702/98]
I am firmly committed to maximising the opportunities for special needs children, including children with a mental handicap, to participate in both the mainstream and special education systems.
Where special needs children are concerned, it is necessary to view each case on an individual basis. For some children, the nature of the special need is such that they can function quite successfully in an integrated setting with the support, where necessary, of a remedial teacher, a resource teacher or a visiting teacher. For other children, placement in a special school or special class may be the more appropriate response.
An additional 54 remedial teachers, 32 resource teachers and two visiting teachers, were allocated to the primary sector for the 1997-98 school year.
Also for the current school year, the pupil teacher ratio for special schools and special classes catering for children with a mild mental handicap was reduced from 14:1 to 13:1. For children with a moderate mental handicap, the pupil teacher ratio was reduced from 10:1 to 9:1.
The Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium gives particular priority to this area through its commitment to equal opportunity and the priority it attaches to the provision of remedial teachers and resources for children with special learning difficulties.
I am currently reviewing provision across the special needs area. It is my intention to further enhance the supports provided to children with special needs, including children with a mental handicap, for the forthcoming school year. I expect to be in position to make an announcement on this matter in the near future.
