Gerard Murphy
Ceist:166 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16789/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 19 May 2005
Ceisteanna (166)
Freagraí scríofa
The application for special educational teaching support for the pupil concerned was referred to the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, for determination. The SENO examined the application and expressed the opinion that as the pupil's special educational needs appear to be within the high incidence disability category, his needs will be catered for under the general allocation model that I recently announced.
The new model replaces that which was notified to schools in June 2004, which has been reviewed to take account of difficulties that it may have caused for smaller schools. I can confirm that 660 additional special needs teaching posts will be put in place in primary schools from next September to facilitate the implementation of the new general allocation system. The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system.
My Department is now devising school clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the general allocation system. These will be notified to schools shortly along with the details of each school's individual allocation. This communication will clarify the position regarding the resource and learning support allocation available to the school which this child will be attending. It will be a matter for the school to make arrangements to provide teaching support to all pupils who qualify for such support from its general allocation, including the child referred to by the Deputy.
My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue before the end of the current school year. My Department has been advised by the SENO that the pupil has been granted the services of a full-time special needs assistant. The school authorities have been notified accordingly and it is a matter for the school to make the necessary arrangements to fill this post.