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Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Questions (262)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of special needs places available at primary and second level schools throughout the country; the extent to which this is sufficient to meet the current and ongoing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50789/13]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to the protection of front-line services for pupils with special educational needs. The level of resources devoted to supporting children with Special Educational Needs has been maintained at €1.3 billion this year. This includes provision for 10,575 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), over 10,700 Learning Support and Resource Teachers, provision for 740 Special Classes attached to mainstream schools at reduced pupil teacher ratios, enhanced capitation for special schools and special classes and provision for assistive technology support.

The level of investment being provided will ensure that provision can continue to be made to provide for the educational requirements of children with special educational needs, enrolled in all schools, to ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to have access to educational facilities in line with their requirements. In relation to the number of school places available for children with special educational needs throughout the country, the policy of my Department is that children with special educational needs should be included in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. All schools and all school places are therefore available for children with special educational needs to be enrolled to. In circumstances where children with special educational need require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available. Details of these schools and classes are available on the National Council for Special Education website, www.ncse.ie. NCSE will establish further special classes where a demand is identified.

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