As a result of this development, the number of resource teacher posts supporting special needs children in the primary system has been increased from 104 to 950. The number of special needs assistant posts increased from 299 to more than 2,000 over the same period. Additional special needs teachers are being deployed on an ongoing basis in response to identified needs and this process will continue.
Children of second level age with special needs are generally catered for in ordinary second level schools with the support of the resource teacher and special needs assistant services. There are 240 resource teachers and 135 special needs assistants at second level at present.
Additional Information.Where more serious disabilities are involved, the children are catered for in a range of special schools and special classes dedicated to particular disabilities. All such facilities operate at reduced pupil-teacher ratios and attract special needs assistant support in line with the recommendations of the special education review committee.
The unprecedented and ongoing development of special education services undertaken by this Government will ensure all children with special needs receive the support they require.