Vol. 576 No. 1
187 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to retain the special educational needs programme that has been in operation at Killarney Community College since 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28998/03]
188 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the funding for teaching support in Killarney Community College was reduced by 33% for the school year 2003-04; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28999/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
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 and the nature and level of support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
To date my Department has allocated a total of 3.53 whole-time teacher equivalent posts and 2.39 whole-time equivalent special needs assistant posts to County Kerry VEC to cater for students with special needs enrolled in Killarney Community College. The allocation is based on the number of students eligible for additional resources in the 2003-2004 school year and is less than the previous year.
