Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014
170. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of the working group tasked with examining a new learning resource allocation model; if he will provide an indicative timeframe for the completion and implementation of any recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12117/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that I received the Report of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Working Group on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teaching Resources for Students with Special Educational Needs, on 5th March, 2014. This report has been developed following a review of best practise in both national and international research, and follows a wide process of engagement and consultation with parents of children with special educational needs, representative groups, educational partners, voluntary bodies and advocacy groups.
The report proposes that a new model for the allocation of supports for children with special educational needs should be introduced and it includes a number of recommendations on how this could be achieved.
I will now consider the Report's recommendations carefully with my Department and consult with my colleagues in the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy, before bringing this report forward to Government in the near future. Subject to Government approval, it is envisaged that the NCSE would then publish the report, and that my Department would begin the process of planning for the implementation of the report's recommendations.
