Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of children with a physical disability within mainstream primary education; the number of these children in receipt of three hours SET support per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7888/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the census of special needs provision undertaken by my Department towards the end of 2003, there were 573 pupils with physical disabilities attending mainstream primary schools. Pupils with a physical disability who have learning difficulties arising from the disability may need resource teaching in cases where there are consequent significant learning difficulties. Such pupils may receive three hours resource teaching support per week.

The census was undertaken in 2003 to ensure that up to date information on children with special educational needs was available to my Department. The establishment of the National Council for Special Education will be of great assistance in ensuring that such information is available on an ongoing basis in the future.