Special Educational Needs Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2014

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Ceisteanna (42)

John Halligan

Ceist:

42. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he or his Department has plans to make additional funding available for psychological services and employment of special needs assistants within the system; his views on whether cutbacks to the services over the past few years have resulted in hundreds of students who are in desperate need of assistance failing to qualify for same; if he will acknowledge that in order to create a calm and productive educational environment for all students, those both with and without special needs requirements, it is vital that all students who require assistance are provided with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23360/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Expenditure supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs was some €1.3bn in 2013, which represents approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department. These resources have been protected, or in some areas have been increased in 2014, despite the ongoing severe financial position and a requirement to make expenditure savings across a range of areas. Any decisions on additional funding would be considered as part of the budgetary process.

The number of Special Needs Assistants available has been increased by 390 posts to 10,965 posts, of whom 10,656 are currently in place. Over 10,700 Learning Support and Resource Teachers are also currently in place, along with 740 Special Classes attached to mainstream schools. The National Educational Psychological Service currently employs 169 whole time equivalent educational psychologists which is the highest complement of staff employed in that service since its inception.

More resources than ever before are being provided to ensure the educational requirements of children with special needs can be met and that all children qualifying for support receive such support.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 15.