Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
91. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recent National Council for Special Education report on allocations of special needs resources; and his plans on foot of same [29403/14]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education published its Report on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs on 18th June 2014. The report recommends that a new allocation model should be developed, based on a schools educational profile, while also providing a baseline allocation to every mainstream school in order to support inclusion. It was recommended that the school profile should take into account details of the number of students with complex needs attending, percentages of students performing below a certain threshold on standardised tests, and the social context of a school. To assist with the process of considering the report recommendations, my Department will begin to gather information required to develop the proposed new model. This will review how the proposed model will impact on schools. There will also be full and comprehensive consultation with stakeholders and education partners, including the parents of special needs children. I would hope that this work can be completed by the Autumn.
