Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2015
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is satisfied with the adequacy of the school building programme and, in particular, with the completion of the replacement of temporary or prefabricated classrooms; if she will meet the requirements projected by the various school authorities for special needs teachers in the coming year at primary and at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44404/15]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I announced details on 17th November last, of the major school building projects that are scheduled to proceed to construction over the next six years, as part of the Government's €2.8 billion capital investment programme. The intention also, is to replace all purchased prefabs with permanent accommodation over the lifetime of the programme. This investment programme is about looking to the future and ensuring that our school infrastructure is well prepared to accommodate our growing school population.
Information in respect of all schools included in the Six Year Programme is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs.
This responsibility includes planning and co-ordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs including the allocation of Resource Teaching and Special Needs Assistant support as well as the establishment of special classes and staffing allocations for special schools in various geographical areas as required.
The NCSE has allocated 6,832 Resource teaching posts to mainstream schools this year, which is an increase of 29% since 2011, which means there are over 11,500 Resource and Learning Support Teachers in place this year.
11,940 SNAs are available for allocation to primary and secondary schools, which is an increase of 13% in the number of posts available since 2011.
In addition, over 150 new Special Classes have been opened for the 2015/16 school year, which means there are now over 1,000 special classes in place.
I welcome the fact, that even in the constrained economic circumstances we have faced in recent years, we have been able to continue to meet the needs of children with special educational needs attending our schools and to increase provision to address emerging needs in this area.
