Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 644: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received in her Department for special needs assistants on 4 May 2006 for all schools in County Wexford; the number of these applications that were successful and the number refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34568/06]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 645: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications her Department received for resource hours for pupils for the years 2002 to date in 2006 in County Wexford; the number of these applications that were successful and the number that were unsuccessful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34569/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 644 and 645 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is not available within my Department.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organiser (SENO), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special needs supports such as resource teaching hours and special needs assistant (SNA) support for children with low-incidence special educational needs, based on applications in respect of individual pupils. The SENOs convey decisions on the applications directly to schools.

The NCSE is in the process of establishing a system of data collection in the context of the requirements under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004.

I can confirm to the Deputy that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the NCSE, ensure that all children with special needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.