I am satisfied the new arrangements recently introduced by my Department for processing applications for resource teacher and special needs assistant support have brought much needed clarity and certainty to the process. I have no proposals to amend these arrangements. I am also satisfied that the application deadlines applicable under the new arrangements are reasonable having regard to the volume of such applications being processed by my Department.
Schools which are not currently covered by the national educational psychological service can avail of the scheme for funding private assessments which is operated by the service to address areas where their services are not currently available.