Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Government has not yet taken a decision on whether it can be implemented for next September. I want to ensure we get it right so I have not yet made a decision on the timing. With regard to profiling, there is a certain amount of factual information relating to numbers of pupils with complex needs and the percentage of pupils performing below average in standardised tests. The area where concern is being expressed is a social context. We have asked schools to do their best in giving us information in that regard. The gender breakdown is there because evidence suggests there tends to be a higher percentage of boys than girls who need this kind of support.

The National Council for Special Education recommended that these criteria should be used to get a fix on a genuine way of assessing the needs of a particular school and to be fair to all children. We have asked that this be done in good faith to ensure we have accurate information before implementing any new model.

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