I wish to advise the Deputy that under the existing allocation system, all pupils with Down syndrome, including pupils with mild general learning difficulties, are entitled to receive additional teaching support. Support is provided from a school's General Allocation Model (GAM) hours, or from an allocation of additional resource teacher hours allocated to schools by the NCSE. In the current school year my Department has allocated approximately 4950 learning support/resource teachers through general allocation, while the NCSE has allocated over 6200 resource teachers. I am aware that some parents, and Down syndrome representative organisations, have concerns that the existing system does not give them certainty as to the support that their children will receive under the GAM, as these hours are distributed locally by schools. I recently met with Down Syndrome Ireland, and some parents of children with Down syndrome to discuss their concerns in this regard. I will consider and review the issues which have been raised and will keep the House informed of my developing views on this matter. As the legal proceedings referred to by the Deputy are currently ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the details of these cases. As the cases are ongoing, no rulings have been made to date regarding costings. With regard to the legal costs incurred by the State's legal team in defending proceedings instigated against my Department, such costs are generally charged to the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) Vote as sanctioned by the Attorney General.
