Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
147 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the ratios for the new general weighted system of allocation for special educational needs teaching resources are low enough; if additional posts to the existing 350 will be made available in the coming 12 months to ensure that the system can be implemented fully as planned in September 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19587/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe differentiated system of weighted teacher allocation referred to in circular SP ED 09/04 is intended to recognise the evidence that factors such as disadvantage and gender have a bearing on the incidence of special educational need. The new arrangements also take full account of the 350 posts I secured to facilitate their introduction. At the moment, there are no plans to allocate further additional special needs teaching posts to the system. I can confirm that the weighted model will be fully implemented in the 2005/06 school year.
The needs of pupils in lower incidence categories of disability will continue to be met on an individual basis.
