Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
294 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the ending of eight special needs assistants contracts in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, the reason for the delay in making a decision on these applications; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20457/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has received a number of applications for special needs assistant support from the school referred to by the Deputy. Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for special needs assistant support is outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02. This circular may be accessed on my Department's website under Children with Special Needs.
My Department continues to review existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. The basic purpose of the review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
Since 1998, the number of special needs assistants in primary schools has grown from about 300 to in excess of 5,500 full-time and part-time posts. I assure the Deputy that special needs assistants posts will be retained in schools where there is a continuing care need in accordance with Circular 07/02.
As advised under circular 09/04, which is also available on my Department's website, schools that have applied for special needs assistant support including the one referred to by the Deputy will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year.
Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned. Details of the appeals mechanism will be set out in a communication to schools.
