Vol. 558 No. 4
242 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level schools which have applied for extra resource hours for children with special needs; the number of hours applied for; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24421/02]
My Department allocates resource teaching posts, special needs assistant posts and additional teaching hours to second level schools to cater for special needs pupils. The relevant school authority makes application for such support to my Department. Each case is considered on its merits.
At present there are approximately 300 applications from post-primary schools for additional resources to cater for special needs students at various stages of completion. As soon as reports are received and considered the relevant school authorities will be notified of the outcome.
