Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I very clearly outlined the significant resources that are being made available to schools. The special needs organisers and the NCSE work hand-in-hand with schools where there are issues and difficulties or challenges in terms of opening up or providing provision for children with additional needs. We work individually with schools to ensure that all issues or challenges can be met.

As I said, very significant resources are being made available in terms of staffing. In terms of teaching staff, we have one teacher and at least two SNAs for six students at primary level and an allocation for 1.5 additional teaching posts, with the least two SNAs for six pupils, at post-primary level.

Equally, I acknowledged the availability of the planning and building unit and that any reconfiguration of rooms and additional building work that is required are 100% funded by the Department. There is a programme of professional supports available to schools for newly-established special classes, whether that is the intensive training course for teachers, seminars for principals, two-day training course for new teachers, whole-staff CPD and, of course, the availability of the NCSE special adviser. As I said, there is the enhanced capitation rate, special start-up grant for special classes and furniture and ICT grant. I already outlined all of that.

Specifically with regard to DEIS, although it is not part of the discussion this evening, I will be very clear that the model employed for DEIS, and the appeals process, was applied fairly across all appellants using an objective, data-based approach.

The results are the results. They are fairly and evenly applied across the country. Indeed, I note with regard to Carlow that there were approximately 13 schools that were successful in their applications. The model is open and transparent and it is an even-handed and fair application of the Haase and Pratschke, HP, index. There is no question of unevenness in that respect.

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