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Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (278, 279)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

458 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the new policy which his Department has introduced in relation to support for special education needs is moving away from the concept of educational resources being linked to the specific needs identified in respect of each individual child; if this change in policy conflicts with the obligations set out in the various Education Acts requiring that the individual education needs of a child be the determining factor in deciding the support to be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21972/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The new system to which the Deputy refers will involve a general weighted allocation of teaching support to all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher-incidence special educational needs, that is, borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability, and those with learning support needs, that is, functioning at or below the 10th percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. It will also allow for individual allocations in respect of pupils with lower-incidence special educational needs.

The weighted allocation will be made as follows: in the most disadvantaged schools — as per the urban dimension of Giving Children an Even Break — a teacher of pupils with special educational needs will be allocated for every 80 pupils to cater for the subset of pupils with higher incidence special needs; in all boys schools, the ratio will be one teacher for every 140 pupils; in mixed schools, or all girls schools with an enrolment of greater than 30% boys, one for every 150 pupils; and in all girls schools, including schools with mixed junior classes but with 30% or less boys overall, one for every 200 pupils.

In addition, all schools will be able to apply for separate specific allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence disabilities. The revised system will allow schools to allocate resources in response to the specific needs of each individual child from within the resources automatically allocated to the school, while allowing for additional teaching hours to be sought in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.

Applications for special needs assistant support will continue to be made on an individual basis in accordance with Department circulars 07/02. The needs of the individual pupil remain an integral part of the weighted model, while at the same time the new arrangements give greater flexibility to schools to allocate sanctioned resources in an effective and efficient manner. They also reduce the level of communication required between schools, my Department and the National Educational Psychological Service, since resources are allocated automatically in respect of higher-incidence disabilities. On the basis outlined, I believe the weighted model is fully consistent with all relevant legislation.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

459 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon for resource support; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21973/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has approved three hours resource teaching per week for the pupil in question. The school authorities have been informed of this decision.

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