The national council for special education will, in the first instance, be established by an establishment order under section 54 of the Education Act 1998. The relationship between the council and my Department will be as set out in the Act and in the draft establishment order that has been approved by both Houses.
An amount of just in excess of €7 million will be provided for the council in 2004. Recruitment of the new grade of special education needs organisers, SENOs, is under way at present. Up to 80 SENOs will be engaged next year and a total of 18 administrative posts have been provided for the council.