The Deputy is referring to the in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. The Deputy will be aware that the staffing of special classes is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the report. In accordance with SERC the minimum staffing ratios for the classes in the disability categories in question are as follows:
Moderate General Learning Disability:
Pupil/Teacher Ratio 8:1;
Class Group / SNA ratio 2:1
Emotionally Disturbed:
Pupil / Teacher Ratio 8:1;
Class Group / SNA Ratio 4:1
Severely Emotionally Disturbed
Pupil / Teacher Ratio 6:1;
Class Group / SNA Ratio 1:1
It should be noted that prior to 1998 children with autism were included in the disability category of severe emotional disturbance. The pupil /teacher ratio for autism is 6:1 and the class group / SNA ratio is 1:2.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support and has the flexibility to allocate additional teaching and SNA support if required.