Mary Upton
Question:112 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special needs classroom assistant will be appointed for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28487/03]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
The school in question is a special school for pupils with a moderate general learning disability. Such schools generally operate at a ratio of one special needs assistant – SNA – per two class groups of eight pupils each. The school currently has 18 SNAs caring for 86 pupils. It is considered that the staffing complement is adequate for the number of pupils attending the school. My Department will make contact with the school regarding the matter.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:113 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in the allocation of resource teachers in the area of learning support, based on psychological reports from his Department for all VEC schools in County Louth. [28525/03]
My Department allocates resource teaching support and special needs assistant support to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for students with special educational needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil or pupils involved and the nature and level of the support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
To date, my Department has allocated a total of 7.40 wholetime teacher equivalent posts and 1.61 wholetime equivalent special needs assistant posts to County Louth VEC to cater for students with special needs. There is one application outstanding for this committee. This application was received on 14 November and has since been referred to the psychological service for a report and recommendation. As soon as this report and recommendation is received a decision will be taken and the outcome will be relayed to County Louth VEC.