John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of special education teachers and assistants that have been allocated to Clondalkin Primary schools in 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7170/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested in respect of special education teachers and special needs assistants for primary schools in the Clondalkin area is not readily available. However, I wish to advise the Deputy that the level of resources being made available by my Department to support students with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream education nationally, including the Clondalkin area has grown significantly in recent years.

There are now over 8,800 teachers at primary and post-primary schools working directly with children with SEN, including those requiring learning support, compared with fewer than 1,700 in 1998. In addition, significant progress has been made in relation to increasing the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in our schools who specifically cater for children with care needs. There are currently in excess of 9,800 SNAs in primary, post-primary and special schools supporting pupils with special care needs compared with approximately 300 in 1998.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of appropriate educational intervention and supports for children with special educational needs continues to be a key Government priority.