Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I accept that when we put so many extra teachers in place this summer the system took some time to settle down. I thank the schools for their co-operation and the INTO for its help in implementing this process which has now settled down and is working quite well. I also believe the new circular which was circulated to all schools and which will be sent to all teachers is very helpful because it outlines case studies to assist teachers in coming to a decision regarding a child's education needs. One of the real advantages of the system, which should reduce the need for individual psychologists' reports, is the fact that the class teacher, in the first instance, can now identify a child with special needs and ensure his or her needs are met because the teacher is available in the classroom. Over and above that, children with more severe learning difficulties or the low incidence range can continue to get their own personal allocation. Thousands of children throughout the country will continue to be provided with that service.

There are more than 6,000 special needs assistants to cater for the needs of these children. I envisage that the level of assessments required by individual parents will not now be as great because they will be able to get the service without it. In schools where the National Educational Psychological Service is not available, there is a system whereby the State will purchase the service for children as long as the need is prioritised by the school.

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