Update Special Needs Educational Requirements 29th May 2014

Uimhir:32

Ceist Pharlaiminte

Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíoctha
To the Minister for Education and Science

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues
to be in an position to meet the educational requirements of children with
special needs at primary and second level with particular reference to the
availability of special needs teachers, special needs assistants and adequate
appropriate school places; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 29th May, 2014.
Reference Number: 23363/14

Freagra

Minister of State, Ciarán Cannon

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.

This year provision is being made for up to 10,965 Special Needs Assistants
(SNAs) of whom 10,656 are currently in place, over 10,700 Learning Support and
Resource Teachers currently in place, along with 740 Special Classes attached
to mainstream schools.

More resources than ever before are being provided to ensure that the
educational requirements of children with special needs can continue to be met
at primary and second level and that as many children as possible can be
educated with their peers in mainstream education.