Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:303. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the number of special classes in mainstream schools in each year since 1997. [47639/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 6 November 2012
Ceisteanna (303)
Freagraí scríofa
Firstly, I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the allocation of resource teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such supports.
In respect of special classes, schools are required to observe Department policy in enrolling children to these classes. This includes having a professional assessment confirming that the child's attainment levels meet the Department's criteria and a recommendation for special class placement. Schools are eligible for resources for special classes when the pupils enrolled meet the Department's criteria and where there are enough eligible pupils to retain a class.
Information going back to 1997, as requested by the Deputy, is not readily available. However, I can advise the Deputy that the number of special classes rose from approximately 350 classes in 1998 to over 500 in 2010. The number of special classes in mainstream schools from 2010 to present is 516 in the 2010/11 school year, 549 in the 2011/12 school year and 640 in the 2012/13 school year.