Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
389. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the number of special education teacher posts per annum for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11844/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers.
In 2023, my department spent over €2.6 billion on special education and further progress will be made this year as an additional €113m will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
The following table outlines the growth in Special education Teachers in mainstream classes
|
Year |
No of SET teachers (Mainstream classes only) |
|
2020 |
13,529 |
|
2021 |
13,620 |
|
2022 |
13,765 |
|
2023 |
14385 |
|
2024 |
14,590 |
