Michael Ring
Question:469 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants appointed on a full-time basis; and the number appointed on a part-time basis. [9712/02]
Vol. 551 No. 2
469 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants appointed on a full-time basis; and the number appointed on a part-time basis. [9712/02]
470 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants appointed in national schools; and the number appointed to secondary schools. [9713/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 470 together.
At present, there are 2,518 full-time and 568 part-time special needs assistants in the primary education system. This equates to 2,908 whole-time equivalent special needs assistant posts, a dramatic increase from 299 some three years ago. There are 219 whole-time equivalent special needs assistant posts in the second level sector.