Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 529: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of court actions regarding the provision of school places for students with special needs and the provision of resources relating to students with special needs which her Department has been involved in during 2005; the number of these actions which progressed to the hearing stage; the number of cases that resulted in the provision of the school places or resources sought by the plaintiffs; the costs which were incurred by her Department in responding to these court actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3172/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In 2005, there were 91 active legal cases involving provision for children with special educational needs to which my Department was a party. Of these, one case progressed to hearing and judgment was given in favour of the State.

In 2005, my Department spent a total of €1,285,751.89 on legal costs and settlements associated with court cases relating to educational provision for children with special needs. These figures do not include the costs of the State's legal defence, which is borne by the Attorney General's office. I would stress, however, there has been significant progress made over the past number of years in respect of increasing the number of teachers and other supports in our schools that are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs.

At primary level there are approximately 5,000 teachers in our schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to under 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 the approximately 200 teachers who were in place in the 1997-98 school year for such pupils. Furthermore, there are approximately 6,300 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants, SNAs, in our primary and second level schools supporting children with special needs.

In addition to the issue of resources at school level, the National Council for Special Education has been established. This council has approximately 100 staff, the great majority of whom are special educational needs organisers, SENOs, who are locally based throughout the country. The role of the SENOs is to ensure that all special educational needs in their areas are addressed in an effective manner. In particular, the SENOs are a focal point of contact for parents-guardians and schools, and process applications for resources for children with special educational needs. I am satisfied that the establishment of the council and the work of the SENOs is transforming the delivery of special educational services in this country.

I am confident that, as a State, we have faced up to the issue of providing appropriate educational provision for all children with special needs and that much work has been done to ensure that the necessary resources and structures are in place. I can confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education, ensure that all children with special needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.