Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, every special class will be provided with one teacher and two special needs assistants, SNAs, for six children at primary level. At post-primary level, it is 1.5 teachers and two SNAs for six children. Primary schools also receive a mainstream capitation rate of €183 per student. There is also an enhanced capitation rate of €720 per student enrolled in a special class giving a total capitation rate per student of €903. Where a school is making the arrangements for the opening of a special class, the school can, while progressing the recruitment of additional staff sanctioned for that class, reassign an existing mainstream teacher who has experience or an interest in special education provision as the special class teacher. That may present a more practical arrangement for a school to facilitate the opening of a special class in a timely manner.

As the Deputy is also aware, grants are available, including a starter grant of €6,500 to open a special class, a €2,500 grant for furniture and a €5,000 ICT grant. The support of the NCSE is ongoing on all occasions. Training is also available for teachers.

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