Last September my Department's in-service development unit established the special education support service. It operates in conjunction with other initiatives to provide professional development for personnel working in the special needs area in schools. County Laois education support centre is one of a national network of centres and is the designated base for the service. My Department gave €380,000 for the service in 2003. A further €1,692,000 was spent by my Department on professional development for personnel in the special education needs area in 2003. A budget of €2.5 million has been allocated to the development of special education professionals for 2004.
The leadership development for schools initiative was established to develop a programme of training and development for principals, deputy principals and others involved in school management and educational leadership in first and second level schools. The initiative is based at the Clare education centre, Ennis. My Department provided it with €456,000 in 2002 and €280,245 in 2003. A budget of €400,000 has been allocated to the leadership development for schools for 2004.