Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004
114 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which he intends to allocate the extra 350 special needs teachers he recently announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14359/04]
View answerThe 350 special needs teacher posts that I announced recently will be allocated as part of a new weighted system of teacher support for pupils with special educational needs. This new weighted system will involve two main elements: (a) making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and (b) making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs. Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests.
115 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the system that will be in place to address the situation in which a school has larger numbers of children in special needs than the weighted system caters for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14360/04]
View answerThe detailed arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system that I announced recently are currently being finalised. The matter raised by the Deputy is being considered in that context.
