John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of learning resource teachers in Lucan over the period 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [27984/05]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of learning resource teachers in Clondalkin over the period 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [27985/05]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 502: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs teachers in the Lucan area over the period 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [27986/05]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 503: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs teachers in the Clondalkin area of the period 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [27987/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 500 to 503, inclusive, together.

The specific information requested by the Deputy is not available. However, at primary level there are now approximately 5,000 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to fewer than 1,500 in 1998. Indeed, one out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs. At second level, there are approximately 1,600 whole time equivalent resource teachers in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to approximately 200 teachers that were in place in the 1997-98 school year for such pupils.

With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken over responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs. Under the new arrangements, the council, through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that in the case of decisions on resource teaching and SNAs, the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made.

I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those in the areas referred to by the Deputy, receive the support they require, when and where they require it.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Dublin with specific details on the autistic unit within the school; the number of teachers who are employed in the autistic unit; the resources which have been allocated and the number of pupils benefiting from the autistic unit. [27988/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The school in question has two special classes for autism with two teachers and five special need assistants. Each class has a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. These classes cater for nine children.

The building unit of my Department has sanctioned grants totalling €29,980.55 to facilitate the establishment of the classes. Each class attracts an enhanced capitation grant. Children attending the classes are entitled to avail of the special school transport service.

With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken over responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs, including children with autism. Under the new arrangements, the council, through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made.

I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those in the area referred to by the Deputy, receive the support they require, when and where they require it.