Written answers
Tuesday, 30 March 2004
Department of Education and Science
Special Educational Needs
9:00 pm
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the full extent of the requirements in terms of psychological assessment, resource, remedial or special needs teachers throughout the educational system; the extent to which this requirement has been met to date; his plans to meet such needs in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9740/04]
Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to providing for all children and young persons with special needs in the education system. The precise nature and level of support provided is based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.
Reports on psychological assessments are required by my Department in support of applications for additional resources in primary and post-primary schools on behalf of children with emotional-behavioural disorders, general and specific learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders and specific speech and language disorders. Psychological reports are also required in support of applications for reasonable accommodations in certificate examinations on grounds of specific learning disability.
The level of support within the education system for children and young persons with special educational has grown substantially in recent years. At primary level, there are currently more than 2,600 resource teachers, 4,319 full-time and 1,353 part-time special needs assistants and 1,531 learning support teachers. At post-primary level, there 1,050 resource teachers, 450 special needs assistants and 533.5 learning support posts.
My Department will continue to respond to special educational needs and, in the process, will review and develop its models of resource allocation and educational response.
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