Written Answers Nos. 244-257
244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if and when a person (details supplied) might expect to receive their passport in respect of which they made application online on 1 January 2023; if any outstanding issues can be resolved in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12226/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has been unable to locate the application using the application number provided. The Passport Service has contacted the Deputy's office directly for further details.
245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in regard to the issue of a passport in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12231/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has inquired, the Passport Service contacted the applicant on 27 February 2023 to advise on what is required to progress the application.
If the applicant has a query on the documentation required, I encourage the Deputy to advise the applicant to contact the Passport Service Customer Service Hub, where he can speak to a Passport Service agent either via phone or webchat. The Customer Service Hub can be reached on +353 1 671 1633. The webchat can be accessed from my Department's website.
246. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to list the NATO training exercises that the Defence Forces have participated in over the past five years; where these exercises have taken place, and what units of the Defence Forces were involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12025/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra247. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what specific types of NATO training exercises the Defence Forces have participated in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12026/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
In the last five years, the Defence Forces participated in one NATO-led training exercise - the "Cyber Coalition" training exercise in Estonia in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.
The aim of this exercise is to enhance coordination, cooperation and information sharing across the Cyber Space domain. Cyber Coalition presents a very real opportunity for the Defence Forces to enhance its capability and training in this increasingly important domain.
248. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the review of Defence Forces participation in UN missions was carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12027/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence who participated in, and who oversaw, the review of Defence Forces participation in UN missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12028/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra250. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how long the review into Defence Forces participation into UN missions took; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12029/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra251. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the review into Defence Forces participation considered withdrawing Irish troops from the UNIFIL mission to Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12030/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 248, 249, 250 and 251 together.
In all, over 550 Irish Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed overseas. The main overseas missions are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 344 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 133 personnel.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces jointly review the overseas deployment of Defence Forces personnel on an ongoing basis. At the time of the recent Government Decision that the Defence Forces should join the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025, I advised the Government that this decision would require a reassessment of the Defence Forces’ current overseas commitments and the likely withdrawal of personnel and equipment from an existing overseas mission. That reassessment of the sustainability of overseas commitments was undertaken by officials in my Department together with colleagues in the Defence Forces.
Following the conclusion of this joint assessment and on the basis of the military advice available to me, I have decided to withdraw the Infantry Group personnel from UNDOF.
There are always a number of considerations that inform a decision of this nature and importance and such decisions are not taken lightly.
One of those considerations relates to the Government’s approval of the Defence Forces' participation in the EU Battlegroup, given the assets and capabilities that will be necessary to support such participation. It will allow the Defence Forces an opportunity to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions.
The United Nations Department of Peace Operations has been advised of this decision and the precise date of the withdrawal of the approximately 130-strong Infantry Group will now be the subject of discussion with the United Nations, given our anxiety to ensure that the decision does not negatively impact on the mission.
Subject to the UN's agreement, I hope that Ireland can continue to occupy a number of staff officer positions in UNDOF headquarters.
Ireland has participated in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon in various guises since its establishment in 1978 and it continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment. The Irish contingent serves as part of a joint Ireland/Poland Battalion, with smaller numbers of additional personnel provided by both Hungary and Malta.
When assessing the sustainability of our overseas commitments, all missions and operations are reviewed. During my recent visit to Lebanon, I reiterated the Irish Government’ commitment to the maintenance of peace and security in Lebanon through our continued participation in UNIFIL.
Following the withdrawal of troops from UNDOF, the UNIFIL mission will become the primary focus of Army resources and operations overseas. I have asked the Defence Forces to explore the possibility of providing for a modest increase in our troop contribution to the UNIFIL mission, though this too is something that will need to be discussed and agreed with the United Nations.
252. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant habitable dwelling units and vacant derelict residential dwelling units in the ownership or part ownership of, or under the control of, both his Department and agencies under his remit; the county in which each unit is located; the length of time each unit has been vacant, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12165/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are seventy-seven (77) residential type properties under the remit of my Department. Ten (10) properties are in Cork, Five (5) properties are in Dublin and sixty-two (62) properties are in Kildare. I am advised that none of these properties can be occupied without considerable refurbishment and were built before the Building Regulations and associated standards arising from same came into effect. My Department does not collate data in respect of the length of time properties are vacant as local military authority manage the allocation of housing stock to Defence Force personnel.
The table below sets out the current vacant residential units :
|
Within Military Installation |
||||
|
Yes |
No |
|||
|
Fort Templebreedy |
Crosshaven |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
1 Camp Field |
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
2 Camp Field |
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
3 Camp Field |
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
4 Camp Field |
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
7 Camp Field |
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
8 Camp Field |
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
9 Camp Field |
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
15 Haulbowline |
*Naval Base |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
16 Haulbowline |
*Naval Base |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
|
17 Cathal Brugha |
Cathal Brugha Apts Rathmines |
Dublin |
0 |
1 |
|
22 Cathal Brugha |
Cathal Brugha Apts Rathmines |
Dublin |
0 |
1 |
|
23 Cathal Brugha |
Cathal Brugha Apts Rathmines |
Dublin |
0 |
1 |
|
A House W Wing -Sarsfield House |
Cathal Brugha Barracks |
Dublin |
1 |
0 |
|
C House E wing |
Cathal Brugha Barracks |
Dublin |
1 |
0 |
|
1 Fire Station Villas |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
2 Fire Station Villas |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
4 Fire Station Villas |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
25 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
26 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
27 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
28 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
29 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
30 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
31 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
32 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
33 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
34 McDermott Tce |
McDermott Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
24 O'Higgins Rd |
Ceannt Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
25 O'Higgins Rd |
Ceannt Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
26 O'Higgins Rd |
Ceannt Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
32 O'Higgins Rd |
Ceannt Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
34 O'Higgins Rd |
Ceannt Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
40 O'Higgins Rd |
McDonagh Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
4 O'Higgins Tce |
Plunkett Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
5 O'Higgins Tce |
Plunkett Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
6 O'Higgins Tce |
Plunkett Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
9 O'Higgins Tce |
Plunkett Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
10 O'Higgins Tce |
Plunkett Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
15 O'Higgins Tce |
Plunkett Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
17 O'Higgins Tce |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
18 O'Higgins Tce |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
21 O'Higgins Tce |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
22 O'Higgins Tce |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
27 O'Higgins Tce |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
28 O'Higgins Tce |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
1 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
2 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
5 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
6 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
7 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
9 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
10 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
11 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
12 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
13 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
14 Pearse Tce |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
1 W.O.Quarters |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
2 W.O.Quarters |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
1 W.O. Quarters- |
Hospital Area Barracks, |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
Curragh |
||||
|
2 W.O.Quarters |
Hospital Area Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
3 W.O.Quarters |
Hospital Area Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
1 W.O.Quarters |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
2 W.O.Quarters |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
40 W.O.Quarters |
Clarke Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
43 W.O.Quarters |
Clarke Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
2 W.O.Quarters |
McDonagh Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
Pumping Stations |
McDonagh Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
Canteen Managers |
Pearse Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
QM House |
Pearse Barracks Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
1 Connolly Villas |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
2 Connolly Villas |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
3 Connolly Villas |
Connolly Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
QM House |
McDonagh Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
1 Plunkett Villas |
Plunkett Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
2 Plunkett Villas |
Plunkett Barracks Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
3 Plunkett Villas |
Plunkett Barracks, Curragh |
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of vacant, disused or decommissioned properties owned by his Department which potentially could be used for accommodation purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12207/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are seventy-seven (77) residential type properties under the remit of my Department. Ten (10) properties are in Cork, Five (5) properties are in Dublin and sixty-two (62) properties are in Kildare. I am advised that none of these properties can be occupied without considerable refurbishment and were built before the Building Regulations and associated standards arising from same came into effect. My Department does not collate data in respect of the length of time properties are vacant as local military authority manage the allocation of housing stock to Defence Force personnel.
The Deputy will be aware, that I recently instructed that the proposed demolition of some of the building stock in the DFTC was to be reconsidered and to that end I am advised that preparatory work on the reconfiguration of those premises to single living in accommodation has commenced.
Since the launch of the IDP in January 2020 some €22m worth of accommodation projects have been completed, providing 365 bed spaces at the following barracks locations:
- The refurbishment of Blocks B and D of Pearse Barracks – 48 beds,
- Refurbishment of Plunkett Block 7, DFTC-58 beds,
- Refurbishment of Blocks 1 & 2 Cathal Brugha Barracks- 80 beds,
- Refurbishment of Apprentice Hostel, Casement Aerodrome- 75 beds,
- Refurbishment of Block 8 Haulbowline - 70 beds,
- Refurbishment of Block H, McKee Barracks- 34 beds.
The provision of accommodation for homeless persons is primarily the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. I am advised that my Department has previously submitted returns to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, in accordance with their suitability criteria, on property holdings which could be considered for the provision of accommodation for those persons seeking refuge from the war in the Ukraine.
At present the following current and former military installations have been made available for the purposes of accommodating those seeking refuge :
- Kilbride Camp, Co. Wicklow :
- Ballymullen Barracks, Kerry,
- former Columb Barracks, Westmeath.
254. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education what can be done for a child in the following circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12018/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
For 2023, the spend by my Department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes additional teaching and care supports. It also includes funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) for an additional 54 psychologists to provide services to special schools and special classes.
In 2022, funding for an additional 980 teachers and 1,165 special needs assistants was provided. For 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 special needs assistants in our schools next year.
For the first time ever we will have over 19,000 teachers working in the area of special education and over 20,000 Special needs assistants. Together we have almost 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level and almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level.
There are a total of 105 special classes in Co. Kildare. Of these, 79 special classes are at primary level and 26 are at post primary level. 20 new special classes at primary and 9 new special classes at post-primary have been provided in Co. Kildare over the last 3 years.
The Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements, consideration of school accommodation capacity and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
If the recent growth in the need for special classes continues, it is expected that a similar level of new special classes will be needed at primary level over the next three years as have been provided over the last three years. At post-primary level however, it is expected that we will need to double the number of new special classes being provided over the next three years as compared to the last three years.
The NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe. It is expected that the NCSE will confirm where new special classes at primary level have been sanctioned for the coming school year over the next few weeks. This is in keeping with timelines in previous years.
Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
As this matter relates to the needs of an individual student, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
255. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education the number of requests under GDPR or FOI for personal data from her Department, including average processing times monthly during the period 1 January 2020 to 1 March 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12072/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is among the busiest Departments in terms of FOI traffic and is also among the most compliant with respect to the obligatory timelines. We do not track the average timelines but less than 1% of total FOI requests received are ‘deemed refused’, that is, not completed within the statutory timeframe. None of the requests that were deemed refused were personal requests. My Department’s deemed refused statistics, among other reported statistics, are available in Annual Reports of the Office of the Information Commissioner.
Similarly, with Subject Access Requests we do not capture average timings but again the compliance rates with regards to the statutory timelines are excellent. During the timeframe referred to, just one complaint was made to the Data Protection Commission in 2021 regarding a missed deadline.
The attached table provides the relevant data.
|
Year |
MonthMonth |
Personal FOI Received |
Processed within statutory timeframe |
SAR Received |
Processed within statutory timeframe2 |
|
2020 |
Jan |
6 |
Yes |
8 |
Yes |
|
Feb |
11 |
Yes |
0 |
Yes |
|
|
Mar |
3 |
Yes |
1 |
Yes |
|
|
Apr |
0 |
Yes |
1 |
Yes |
|
|
May |
6 |
Yes |
2 |
Yes |
|
|
Jun |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
Yes |
|
|
Jul |
5 |
Yes |
8 |
Yes |
|
|
Aug |
8 |
Yes |
2 |
Yes |
|
|
Sep |
106 |
Yes |
105 |
Yes |
|
|
Oct |
10 |
Yes |
15 |
Yes |
|
|
Nov |
9 |
Yes |
13 |
Yes |
|
|
Dec |
3 |
Yes |
6 |
Yes |
|
|
2021 |
Jan |
3 |
Yes |
2 |
Yes |
|
Feb |
6 |
Yes |
3 |
Yes |
|
|
Mar |
7 |
Yes |
12 |
Yes |
|
|
Apr |
12 |
Yes |
10 |
Yes |
|
|
May |
4 |
Yes |
12 |
Yes |
|
|
Jun |
3 |
Yes |
4 |
Yes |
|
|
Jul |
6 |
Yes |
2 |
Yes |
|
|
Aug |
1 |
Yes |
4 |
Yes |
|
|
Sep |
4 |
Yes |
8 |
Yes for 3 requests No for 1 |
|
|
Oct |
3 |
Yes |
6 |
Yes |
|
|
Nov |
7 |
Yes |
7 |
Yes |
|
|
Dec |
1 |
Yes |
6 |
Yes |
|
|
2022 |
Jan |
2 |
Yes |
6 |
Yes |
|
Feb |
5 |
Yes |
9 |
Yes |
|
|
Mar |
6 |
Yes |
9 |
Yes |
|
|
Apr |
2 |
Yes |
10 |
Yes |
|
|
May |
9 |
Yes |
12 |
Yes |
|
|
Jun |
5 |
Yes |
4 |
Yes |
|
|
Jul |
6 |
Yes |
2 |
Yes |
|
|
Aug |
5 |
Yes |
4 |
Yes |
|
|
Sep |
7 |
Yes |
8 |
Yes |
|
|
Oct |
4 |
Yes |
6 |
Yes |
|
|
Nov |
9 |
Yes |
7 |
Yes |
|
|
Dec |
2 |
Yes |
6 |
Yes |
|
|
2023 |
Jan |
16 |
Yes |
9 |
Yes |
|
Feb |
8 |
Yes |
6 |
Yes |
256. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will seek assistance for a school (details supplied ) in respect of a payment issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12080/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department is in receipt of correspondence from the school referred to by the deputy in relation to rental of a former school house. My department is currently liaising with the Patron and the school authorities in relation to this matter.
257. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education when schools can expect to receive notification of their SNA and SET allocations for the academic year beginning in September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12081/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the deputy for raising these matters and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
For 2023, the spend by the Department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
The Special Education Teaching (SET) Allocation model was introduced in 2017. When the model was introduced it was planned that each schools profile would be updated on a 2 to 3 year cycle. The model was last re-profiled in early 2022 and allocations for the 2022/23 school year were advised to schools at that point.
The next scheduled re-profiling will take place in early 2024 for allocations relating to the 2024/25 school year. Schools will receive an updated circular and resource allocation letter in 2024 – no circular or allocation letter will issue for 2023/2024 school year
Circular 0006/2023 - Staffing arrangements in Primary Schools for the 2023/24 school year issued in January 2023 and the Special Education resourcing for each primary school for the 2023/2024 school year is included in Appendix C of it.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations for the 2023/2024 school year are presently being development by my Department and will be advised to schools as soon as is possible and in line with previous year timelines.
My Department has allocated 1,165 additional SNA’s to schools in the past year and in Budget 2023 an additional 1,194 SNA’s are being provided to support schools and will be allocated as follows: 735 to support students in new special classes, 124 to support students in new special school places and 335 to support students in mainstream classes.
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 special needs assistants in our schools next year.
For the first time ever we will have over 19,000 teachers working in the area of special education and over 20,000 Special needs assistants. Together we have almost 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
