Vol. 574 No. 2
272 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the numbers of resource, remedial or special needs teacher numbers are sufficient to meet requirements; when he intends to address the remaining issues in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26874/03]
I am satisfied that my Department is responding on an ongoing and effective basis to special educational needs arising in the first and second level education system.
At present, a total of 1,531 remedial teachers, approximately 2,500 resource teachers, 4,239 full-time and 1,264 part-time special needs assistants are in place in the primary system to support children with literacy or numeracy difficulties or special educational needs.
At second level, a total of 533 remedial teachers, 920 whole-time equivalent resource teachers and 435 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants are in place. The number of teacher posts being made available to support students with special educational needs at second level in the current school year represents an increase of approximately 300 posts on 2002-03. Additional special support services are being made available on an ongoing basis in response to identified needs.
