Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Teaching Aids.

Mary Coughlan

Ceist:

19 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education whether additional funding will be provided for national schools in order to purchase special teaching aids and materials for children with learning difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12663/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department currently provides funding for the purchase of a wide range of specialist materials and equipment required by children with special education needs. Funding is also provided for the purchase of materials and equipment by teachers involved in delivering a range of special support services to such children.

This funding is available to children attending ordinary primary schools on a fully integrated basis as well as to children attending special classes attached to ordinary schools and special schools dedicated to dealing with particular disabilities.

In addition, in 1994, I introduced very substantial increases in the special capitation rates applicable to children attending all special schools and special classes. This development, which was warmly welcomed by the schools in question, has also assisted these schools in meeting many of their materials and equipment needs.

This year I intend to maintain the generous level of funding achieved by me in recent years for special teaching aids and materials for children with special needs.