Mr. Eddie Ward:

I recognise that the issue of reduced timetables is a major concern but I will also comment on special needs issues. The Department's approach in recent years has been driven by evidence-based policy that has come from the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. We heard some of those details from Ms Byrne this morning. Our approach in the Department since 2012 has been very much about putting the resources in place. Those resources include additional teachers, special needs assistants, SNAs, and a variety of supports. Special classes and the number of people on the ground have increased substantially. Almost 20% of the total education Vote is now being used on special education. That is the thrust of the way that we intend to go.

Mention was also made of therapeutic supports in schools. A pilot is under way and that will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the intention is to plan for a more extensive roll-out into the school system so that all schools will have access to therapeutic support in areas such as occupational therapy, speech and language support and behavioural support. We recognise that there are gaps and we will continue to address that through evidence-informed policymaking. We will evaluate as we go through the process.

This debate and discussion are very informative and helpful from our point of view. It is good that we know what is happening on the ground. The inspectorate does give us feedback. Its focus is on teaching and learning in schools and the use of departmental resources. It is also very helpful, however, when we hear feedback from stakeholders and people at the coalface, such as the school principal earlier.