My Department allocates resource posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools 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(s) involved and the nature and level of the support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
An application for special needs assistant support for the 2004-05 school year has been made by the school in respect of the student in question. The application is currently under consideration in my Department and the school authority will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.