Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the minimum number of pupils with special needs required to establish a special needs class within a mainstream primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2655/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The pupil teacher ratio for the establishment of special classes for children with special educational needs attached to mainstream primary schools 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.

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.

As the Deputy will also be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.