Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

62 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pupils with a learning disability are in the care of teachers who do not have appropriate qualifications; and the measures, if any, he will take to provide suitable training in view of this unfair situation for both teacher and pupil. [11607/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Many pupils with disabilities now attend mainstream schools as well as special schools. Provision for pupils with disabilities is now made in special schools, in special classes in mainstream schools and in ordinary classes in mainstream schools with the support of resource teachers.

The pre-service training of teachers equips them to deal with a range of pupil diversity, including learning difficulties arising from disabilities in pupils. Students at the two larger colleges of education follow a module in special education as part of their basic teacher training. The two expert groups which I have appointed on teachers' pre-service education are reviewing the need for training in this particular area.

A range of induction courses and summer courses is organised for teachers who are new to working with pupils who have learning difficulties arising from disabilities. All teachers in special schools, in special classes and those who function as resource teachers for pupils with disabilities may apply to do the diploma in special education course run by St. Patrick's college of education.