Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
941. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a pilot study will examine resource hours' allocation for children with Down's syndrome; when the changes from the pilot study will be implemented across the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21450/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that, as outlined in my announcement of 21st May, approximately 50 schools, both Primary and Post Primary, are being invited to participate, on a voluntary basis, in the pilot of a new resource allocation model for schools, which will commence in September 2015.
The pilot will test the utilisation of resources by schools and the distribution and management of those resources by schools to support all pupils with learning needs in schools, taking into account their level of need, regardless of any particular disability diagnosis, as envisaged by the NCSE Working Group Report.
The Deputy will be aware that I also recently separately announced that additional resources will be allocated to schools, as an interim measure, to support those children with Down syndrome, who are not already supported through the (NCSE) low incidence resource teaching annual allocation process.
Under the interim measure, schools will receive 2.5 resource teacher hours per week for each qualifying child.
This will apply in all schools, not just in schools which are participating in the pilot project.
It is a specific allocation which will assist schools to support pupils with Down syndrome who do not currently qualify for Low Incidence resource teaching hours, pending the introduction of the new allocation model.
Once the Pilot project has been evaluated, it is my intention to further consult with Education Partners and Stakeholders regarding the timeframe for the implementation of the new allocation model for all schools.
I can confirm, however, that the interim allocations for children with Down syndrome, as set out above, will remain in place until such time as the proposed new model for allocating teaching supports to children with special education needs comes into force.
