Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004

Tuesday, 23 November 2004

Ceisteanna (416)

Joe Costello

Ceist:

466 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the weighted system for improving the allocation of teaching resources for pupils with special education needs will result in the loss of 2.2 teachers at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if the decision in relation to this school will be reversed; if the number of schools in disadvantaged areas that are adversely affected by the new weighting system introduced in June 2004 will not lose out as a result of the changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30154/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to the proposed model for allocating resource teachers to primary schools, particularly for children in small and rural schools if it were implemented as proposed. Accordingly, I will review the proposed model to ensure it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications while, at the same time, ensuring pupils in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year. It is important to emphasise that applications may be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.