John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I am always conscious when we are discussing this topic of the review that was undertaken of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act recently. The research that went into that highlighted clearly that the term "additional needs" is preferable to "special education". I am conscious of that and that my language should be more appropriate.

I very much welcome the recent announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, that training in teacher training colleges will now include a period where the teacher will undertake teaching practice in a classroom for children with additional needs. That will enhance the standard of the teachers being produced.

To return to the first point I made, I am concerned there will not be sufficient teachers in September to fill the additional 400 places that have been developed through the Minister's efforts for classes for children with additional needs. I say that in light of recent data from the Department showing there are already a large number of vacancies in the sector. That is reaffirmed by data provided by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, INTO. It is a great concern of mine, and schools are concerned by that as well.

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