Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 474: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of special classes for children with mild or general learning difficulties provided for in mainstream schools; the number of children catered for by these classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33480/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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There are over 350 special classes for pupils with mild general learning difficulties in the primary school system. I will arrange for the number of enrolled children to be sent to the Deputy when it has been compiled.

Pupils with a mild general learning disability who are not enrolled in a special class are entitled to additional teaching support in school under the terms of the general allocation system for children with high incidence special needs. One of the benefits of the general allocation system is that it has put support teaching resources in place in schools on a more systematic basis. This facilitates flexible and early intervention and gives schools more certainty about their resource levels.