Tony Gregory
Question:401 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science when the result of her review of the special education needs provision will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14917/05]
View answerTuesday, 10 May 2005
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Written answers
The review of the general allocation system, GAS, has now been completed. The new model replaces that which was notified to schools in June 2004, which was reviewed to take account of difficulties that it may have caused for smaller schools.
I can confirm that 660 additional special needs teaching posts will be put in place in primary schools from next September to facilitate the implementation of the new GAS. The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system and to ensure continuity of service for children who have previously being given an individual allocation until those children leave the primary school system.
My Department is now devising school clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the general allocation system. These will be notified to schools shortly along with the details of each school's individual allocation. My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. This circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
I am delighted to be able to get such significant resources for special needs provision in primary schools. Prioritising special needs and disadvantage has been top of my agenda since becoming Minister for Education and Science. I also want to acknowledge the support of the Minister for Finance and the Government in making the necessary resources available.