Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2008
700 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when a review of the general allocation model will be completed; if it is proposed that a similar model will be introduced at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28948/08]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the general allocation model was introduced in primary schools in September 2005 to ensure that each school has learning support/resource teaching support available to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs. The review is currently underway and is expected to be completed early in the next school year.
The issue of allocation policies at post-primary level is being considered in the context of the proposals for the implementation of the remaining sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department's "Inclusion of Students with Special Educational Needs: Post-Primary Guidelines" advocate a whole-school approach to effectively meet the educational needs of special needs students. The guidelines, which were published in June 2007 and circulated to all second level schools, provide practical advice and guidance on the organisation and co-ordination of resources to maximise the support to each individual student.
