Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the Government has maintained funding for resources for children with special educational needs at a time when, as everybody in the House will be aware, there is a continued requirement to make expenditure savings across a range of areas.

The programme for Government clearly states that education will be a priority for the Government and that we will endeavour to protect and enhance the education experience of children, young people and students. In this regard, the Department has prioritised the level of supports being provided to special schools.

I wish to reiterate that there has been no reduction in the number of teaching staff allocated in the special school sector for the 2012-13 year. That does not mean that some schools have not had a reduction in their allocation and that other schools have not had an increase, but overall there has been no reduction in the staff allocated in the special school sector for the 2012-13 school year.

However, at a time of constrained resources it is necessary to manage and deploy resources as prudently and effectively as possible. It is, therefore, necessary to suppress any surplus posts in schools which have excess teaching posts in order to ensure there are posts available to meet the needs of schools with growing pupil numbers. I think the Deputy will agree that resources left in an area that are not in accordance with criteria mean public resources are not available for another deserving area.

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