My Department's proposed automatic mechanism for allocating resource teachers to primary schools is intended to cater for pupils requiring learning support and those with higher incidence special educational needs. An additional 350 teaching posts are being allocated to facilitate the introduction of the new system. The proposed system is intended to improve and streamline the special education resource teacher allocation process. The model will obviate the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensure pupils in receipt of service continue to receive the level of support appropriate to their needs. In that context, the additional posts being put in place represent a significant investment to ensure the success of the measure.
Nonetheless, I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in regard to the model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as proposed. Accordingly, I will review the proposal to ensure it provides an automatic response for pupils with common higher incidence special educational needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year. The question of further resource allocation can be considered in light of that assessment.