Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2016
101. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the multidisciplinary teams in schools for children with special needs are working on a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38980/16]
View answerChildren with special educational needs in schools are supported by classroom teachers, special needs assistants, and through the provision of additional resource teaching support in mainstream schools.
Schools are supported in providing for the educational needs of children with special educational needs by the National Council for Special Education, the National Educational Psychological Services, the Special Educational Support Service, the National Behavioural Support Services and by my Departments Inspectorate. Further supports are also provided to schools by the Visiting Teachers for Children with Visual or Hearing Impairment.
Whereas most resource teacher and S posts are full time in an individual school, some posts are shared between schools, or may be part time posts. In most cases, the services which are provided to schools by supporting bodies or agencies are provided as needs arise in the schools and are therefore provided for a limited period of time to support schools.
