Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To put matters in context, the provision for special educational needs has been increased by 27% in the past few years while, for example, funding for higher education has fallen by approximately 22%. This area has not been neglected but rather is one in which the Government has, rightly, made significant contributions. The amounts are allocated on two bases. Some is provided as a general allocation to a school, while some is provided specifically for children with specific needs. The latter allocations are based on the report to which the Deputy referred and continue to be made on that basis. There is a continuing provision which commands more resources for these children. We are seeing more special classes in which they are being educated. This has been an area which badly needed investment and an investment in its development has been made. I am determined to ensure we will use the money in the best possible way. The Deputy is right in saying we need to move towards personal, individual plans and that we also need to deal with this issue in a whole-school environment, being sensitive to the support the children need to be within mainstream education and not separated from it. That is where the effort is being made.

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