Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2014
32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues to be in a position to meet the educational requirements of children with special needs at primary and second level, with particular reference to the availability of special needs teachers, special needs assistants and adequate appropriate school places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23363/14]
View answerExpenditure supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs was some €1.3bn in 2013, which represents approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department. These resources have been protected, or in some areas have been increased in 2014, despite the ongoing severe financial position and a requirement to make expenditure savings across a range of areas. This year provision is being made for up to 10,965 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) of whom 10,656 are currently in place, over 10,700 Learning Support and Resource Teachers currently in place, along with 740 Special Classes attached to mainstream schools.
More resources than ever before are being provided to ensure that the educational requirements of children with special needs can continue to be met at primary and second level and that as many children as possible can be educated with their peers in mainstream education.
