Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 173: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve learning support service for schools (details supplied) in County Cork. [6429/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I trust that the Deputy is aware of the proposed new system for resource teacher allocation which involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. This system also applies to those with learning support needs, that is, functioning at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics.

I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in regard to the proposed model for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, my Department is currently reviewing the proposal to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common higher incidence special educational needs. The review involves consultation with educational interests, including the NCSE, before it is implemented in September 2005. The needs of the schools referred to by the Deputy will be considered in the context of the review.

Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 174: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a learning support teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6430/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of one shared learning support teacher and a shared resource teacher. I trust that the Deputy is aware of the proposed new system for resource teacher allocation which involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. This system also applies to those with learning support needs, that is, functioning at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics.

I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to the proposed model for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, my Department is currently reviewing the proposal to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common higher incidence special educational needs. The review involves consultation with educational interests, including the NCSE, before it is implemented in September 2005.