Vol. 553 No. 6
204 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs teachers required at all schools in County Kildare; the timetable for meeting such requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14990/02]
209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of children with special needs in mainstream education in County Kildare; the projections in this regard; the degree to which adequate services and back up facilities are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14995/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 209 together.
My Department currently allocates teaching posts to special classes in primary schools, to special schools and to support children with special needs in mainstream primary schools.
In addition, special needs assistant posts are allocated to assist schools with the care needs of pupils with disabilities.
It is necessary to view each pupil's special needs on an individual basis. For some pupils the nature of the special need may be such that the child can perform quite successfully in an integrated setting with the support, where necessary, of a learning support or resource teacher. Where more serious cases of difficulties arise, provision is made in special schools or special classes dedicated to such children. Therefore, supports as outlined above are allocated by my Department on a demand led basis and are based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child or children.
There are currently three special schools and approximately 28 special classes at primary level in County Kildare. The number of resource teachers currently in place at this level equates to approximately 106 whole-time equivalent posts. Special needs assistants amounting to approximately 203 whole-time equivalent posts have also been allocated for the support of special needs pupils at primary level in the county. The number of posts sanctioned nation-wide is increasing weekly based on the professional assessment of children with special needs.
Information relating to the number of special needs pupils in mainstream primary education is not readily available in my Department.
At second level, my Department allocates resource posts, child care assistant posts and concessionary teaching hours to ordinary second-level schools to cater for special needs pupils. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each case is considered on its merits and determined on the advice of the psychological service.
In the 2001-02 school year 12.17 whole-time teacher equivalent posts in concessionary teaching hours were allocated to ordinary second level schools in County Kildare to cater for pupils with special needs.
For the 2002-03 school year 12.91 whole-time teacher equivalent posts in concessionary teaching hours have been allocated to date to ordinary second level schools in County Kildare to cater for pupils with special needs.
