Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio for children with a general learning disability; the way he determines the ratio; his plans to increase or decrease the ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36642/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The pupil teacher ratio for children with general learning disabilities in special classes and special schools is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. These ratios range from 6:1 to 11:1 depending on the level of disability. I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no plans to alter these ratios.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department's policy is to support the inclusive education of students with special educational needs across the schools system. In this context, a range of supports are provided to schools to enable them cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports available include additional teaching support, special needs assistant support, school transport and grants for the purchase of teaching materials and specialised equipment.