Special Educational Needs Staffing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Questions (188)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

188. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a temporary principal can be brought in to cover a programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19168/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy will be aware July Provision is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides July Provision for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. Under the terms of the scheme the Overseer must be a principal, deputy / vice principal or permanent qualified teacher, employed by the school. In exceptional circumstances and at the request of a school my Department will consider alternatives to enable the school to best meet the needs of the children. It is open to the school in question to submit a proposal for consideration.