Vol. 552 No. 4
161 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will permit a person (details supplied) in County Cork to attend special courses which will enhance their qualifications and give additional benefit to the children they are working with. [12708/02]
It is the policy of my Department that all teachers working with children with special needs will have relevant training.
There has been a major increase in the last two years in the level of additional teaching resources made available by my Department to schools in order to assist them in catering for children with special educational needs. This intervention has provided very significant additional educational support from suitably qualified teachers in schools across the country.
These additional appointments, however, bring with them the need for additional training in the special needs area. Due to the large numbers involved this matter is being addressed in a systematic way. Where in-career development training is being provided, full-time permanent teachers working with special needs pupils receive this training in the first instance. This is a priority. At present, the inclusion of part-time teachers on in-career training is considered in the light of available places.
Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 144.
