Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
332 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will give the maximum support and assistance to a school (details supplied) in relation to the allocation of resources for pupils with special educational needs; and if she will take steps in order that schedule F does not mean a net loss of 5.8 learning support teachers between these schools; and if this proposed cut will not be expedited. [26237/04]
View answerI am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to the weighted model for allocating resource teachers to primary schools, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed.
Accordingly, I will be reviewing the proposed model to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year.
