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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Jun 2001

Vol. 537 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

603 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which remedial or special needs classes are available at primary and second level schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17305/01]

Since the commencement of the school year 1999-2000, the remedial teacher service has been available to all first and second level schools. A total of 1,480 remedial teachers are now in place in first level schools and a further 560 whole-time remedial teacher equivalents are in place at second level.

Many children with special needs are capable of attending ordinary schools on a fully integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of resource teachers and/or special needs assistants. Since October 1998 the number of resource teachers supporting such children in primary schools has been increased from 104 to more than 950. The number of special needs assistants has been increased from less than 300 to more than 2,000 over the same period.

Children with more serious special needs can be catered for in special schools dedicated to particular disability groups or in special classes attached to mainstream schools. The special schools can cater for children in the age range four to 18 years. All special schools and special classes operate at reduced pupil teacher ratios and pupils attending such facilities attract special increased rates of capitation funding. There are more than 100 special schools and more than 400 special classes attached to ordinary primary schools.

At second level, pupils with special needs are generally catered for in integrated settings. Such pupils are currently supported by a total 240 resource teacher posts and 135 special needs assistant posts. In addition, the equivalent of approximately 142 whole-time teacher equivalents in concessionary teaching hours have been allocated to ordinary second level schools to cater for pupils with special needs.

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