Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I wish to clarify for the Deputy that there is no overall reduction in resource teaching numbers for the coming school year.

Overall, 9,950 posts will be provided for resource teaching and learning support for this coming academic year. That is the same number as that provided for last year and is an increase of 350 over that provided for in 2010.

Some 5,500 of these posts are available to the NCSE for allocation for pupils with more complex special educational needs.

Due to an increase in demand in schools it has been necessary for the NCSE to make an allocation of 85% of approved resource teaching hours to each school to ensure that every child who needs support can access support and are treated the same. This will ensure that there are a sufficient number of posts retained to make allocations for late or emergency applications, while staying within the European-imposed employment control framework.

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