Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
465. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in recent discussions with Down Syndrome Ireland regarding the provision of resource support in primary schools for children with Down syndrome; when a decision will be made on its submission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9942/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that under the existing allocation system, all pupils with Down syndrome, including pupils with mild general learning difficulties, are entitled to receive additional teaching support.
Support is provided from a school's General Allocation Model (GAM) hours, or from an allocation of additional resource teacher hours allocated to schools by the NCSE.
In the current school year my Department has allocated approximately 4950 learning support/resource teachers through general allocation, while the NCSE has allocated over 6200 resource teachers.
I am aware, however, that some parents, and Down's syndrome representative organisations, have concerns that the existing system does not give them certainty as to the support that their children will receive under the GAM, as these hours are distributed locally by schools.
I recently met with Down Syndrome Ireland, and some parents of children with Down syndrome to discuss their concerns in this regard.
I will consider and review the issues which have been raised and will keep the House informed of my developing views on this matter.
