Vol. 513 No. 2
177 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary pupils in the Waterford constituency who have learning disorders, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit disorder; the proposals, if any, he has to make full and proper educational provision for these pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2061/00]
My Department does not have specific details of the number of primary pupils in the Waterford constituency with particular learning disorders.
Arising from a Government decision of October 1998, all children with special needs within the primary system, including children with dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit disorder, now have an automatic entitlement to a response to their needs.
Since this decision was taken, an additional 225 resource teachers and 642 child care assistants have been allocated to the primary system to support children with special needs, including those with the disabilities referred to by the Deputy. There are now a total of 329 resource teachers and 937 child care assistants in the primary system.
I am satisfied that the range of special support services now provided by my Department constitute a very significant response to the needs of children with learning disorders.
I am also confident that the effectiveness of these services will be further enhanced by the Government's decision to allocate £4 million for the creation of a national support service for special education, details of which I announced on 26 January 2000.
