Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his recent proposals for education in 2009 have any impact on the staffing levels or funding going to special schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46299/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the recent budgetary announcements do not affect the criteria used for the allocation of additional teaching and care resources in Special Schools. Capitation funding for Special Schools has also been increased bringing the top rate up to almost €1,000 per pupil.

I am particularly pleased that, in order to strengthen and enhance services, and continue the preparation for the full implementation of the EPSEN Act at a later date, the Government has provided €20m in 2009 — €10m for education services and €10m for health services.

In my Department this additional funding will provide for an expansion of the NEPS service, so that all schools in the country will be covered by the service, as well as enhancing the capacity of the NCSE to co-ordinate the provision of services to children with special educational needs. In addition, there will be further investment in teacher training in this area.

An integrated approach is being adopted by the education and health sectors to target these additional resources to the areas of greatest need. Progress in both sectors will be kept under review by the Office for Disability & Mental Health and the Cross-Sectoral Team during 2009.