Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will re-examine the case of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 for learning support as the school was not made aware that they were entitled to such a post until after the closing date for such applications had passed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11470/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has recently developed a new general allocation system of teaching support for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, SEN, such as borderline mild and mild general learning disability and dyslexia, and those with learning support needs. The general allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy equates to 7.5 hours part-time hours per week. I am informed that the school has the services of a fully qualified teacher for these hours and the relevant grants have issued.

The school made an application for a set-up grant for a new special education teaching post. However, as the school has only part-time hours and not a full-time post, it does not qualify for such a grant. To qualify for a full-time special education post, the school needs a minimum of 22 part-time hours. My officials have conveyed this information directly to the school authorities and issued my Department's circular, Special Education 02/05, to the school.