Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
165 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for special needs assistants outstanding in her Department; the number of applications for resource teaching outstanding in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26132/04]
View answerI can confirm that, at present, approximately 780 applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports remain to be processed in my Department. These applications are for resource teaching and-or special needs assistant support. They consist of new applications and also relate to appeals in respect of decisions on previous applications already conveyed to schools. Approximately 100 of these applications are incomplete and the relevant schools have been requested to submit the appropriate supporting documentation. In addition, applications at the rate of between ten and 20 per day continue to be received in my Department. These include both new applications for SEN supports and also appeals from schools who have previously received a response to their applications. The outstanding applications will be processed as quickly as possible.
