Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 2

Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

366 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give a breakdown of the teaching and child care resources for children with special needs integrated into mainstream schools and of child care resources for children with special needs in special schools with reference to the £4 million package announced by him on 5 November 1998; the number of resource teachers arising from this package which will be appointed to primary schools; and the number of child care posts which will be assigned to mainstream primary and special schools. [24347/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Arising from the announcement to which the Deputy refers, it is estimated that allocations equivalent to an additional 90 to 100 resource teachers posts will be made to mainstream primary schools over the next year.

Of the 250 to 270 child care posts projected for allocation over the next year, it is estimated that in the region of 150 posts will be targeted on special schools. The remaining posts will be targeted on children in mainstream schools.