Vol. 574 No. 2
276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he proposes to improve facilities for children with special needs in mainstream education in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26878/03]
I am on record as acknowledging that the significant levels of investment made in school buildings in recent years need to be maintained going forward if the goal of eliminating sub-standard accommodation, including facilities for children with special educational needs is to be achieved. To that end, in the context of the estimates process, I am seeking to put in place a multiannual capital funding envelope for the next four to five years. I consider that the provision of such an envelope for the school building programme will enable my Department to provide greater clarity for all education partners concerning the progress of projects within the programme.
The major investment of recent years in upgrading school accommodation has resulted in new and enhanced school accommodation throughout the country. In the five years up to and including 2002, a total of €1.248 billion has been spent by my Department on primary and post-primary school buildings. This is a very significant investment.
The Government remains committed to continuing the work that it has started and to consolidating the substantial progress that has already been made to ensure that the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time. The process of investment in educational infrastructure begun by the previous Government will be continued as outlined in the Agreed Programme for Government.
My Department's commitment to supporting children with special educational needs within the primary school system is reflected in the significant growth in investment in special needs provision in recent years. This is illustrated by the following details. The number of learning support teachers in the primary school system has increased from 1,302 in 1998 to 1,531 at present. The annual salary cost of these teachers is approximately €54 million. The number of resource teachers has increased from 104 in 1998 to more than 2,300. The annual salary cost of these teachers is estimated at more than €70 million. The number of special needs assistants within the primary system has grown from 300 in 1998 to 4,239 full-time and a further 1,264 part-time posts. The annual salary cost of this service is estimated at €100 million for 2003.
