Departmental Budgets

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2013

Thursday, 7 March 2013

Ceisteanna (21)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of his departmental budget to meet the cost of educational requirements and objectives throughout the course of 2013 including the school building programmes and with particular reference to meeting the educational needs including special needs requirements in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11885/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

While the 2013 allocation for my Department takes account of difficult decisions that had to be made to meet savings targets, my priority has been to protect the most vulnerable in our education system. Of the gross current allocation of €8.51 billion, approximately €1.3 billion will be allocated in support of children with special educational needs in 2013. This includes the provision of 10,575 Special Needs Assistants, 9,950 learning support teachers, 1,100 teachers in special schools for pupils with various disabilities, enhanced levels of capitation and special school transport arrangements. The 2013 capital allocation of €433 million (including €19 million carried over from 2012) for my Department includes €367 million (or almost 85%) for the School Building Programme. This provision takes account of projected increased pupil numbers over the years ahead. I am satisfied that through efficient and effective use of resources we can achieve much with my Department's 2013 Allocation.