Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
271 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which provision exists, or is likely to be made, to meet all special needs, remedial and resource teaching requirements in respect of primary and post-primary schools in County Kildare; the extent of which this need is likely to be met in each case in response to the requirements as set out by each school authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30912/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery effort is made to ensure that children with special educational needs, SEN, receive an education appropriate to their needs. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each particular case at primary and post-primary level are based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.
I can confirm that the following supports have been sanctioned by my Department to cater for the SEN of pupils in County Kildare: Nine special classes for pupils with autism at a pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1; six special classes for pupils with mild general learning disabilities at a pupil-teacher ratio of 11:1; and one special class for pupils with moderate general learning disabilities at a pupil-teacher ratio of 8:1.
In addition to these special classes, there are three special schools in operation in the County Kildare area catering for approximately 157 pupils with special needs with a pupil/teacher ratio ranging from 6:1 to 11:1.
My Department also provides funding for the Saplings Project, a facility sanctioned on a pilot basis which uses applied behavioural analysis methodologies for children with autism. There are approximately 30 pupils enrolled in the facility.
In the case of post-primary schools, a total of 1,100 hours per week additional teaching support and 726.93 hours per week special needs assistant support has been allocated to post-primary schools in County Kildare for the 2004-05 school year to cater for pupils with special needs.
The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. The council has employed a number of special education needs organisers, SENOs, who will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents.
It is anticipated that the council and the SENOs will become operational shortly. In this regard, my Department is liaising with the council with a view to putting the revised arrangements for the processing of applications for SEN resources in place.
My priority as Minister for Education and Science will be to continue targeting resources at those areas and people most in need.
