Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 73: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will clarify a matter (details supplied). [14847/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department provides a range of supports to second level schools to enable them cater for pupils with special educational needs. Such supports may include learning/resource teaching support, special needs assistant support and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment.

Resource-teacher hours are allocated on behalf of individual students with special educational needs. The core task of the resource teacher is the teaching of students with special educational needs, whether this is done one-to-one, in small groups, in special classes or through co-operative teaching with colleagues. The way in which the resource teacher implements the teaching role depends to a considerable extent on the model of organisation that has been adopted in the school.

Schools have been advised, in my Department's publication "Inclusion of Students with Special Educational Needs: Post-Primary Guidelines", to adopt an open policy in relation to the sharing with parents of information about their child with special educational needs. If a parent has a specific concern in relation to the use of resource teaching hours, he or she should raise the matter with the Principal of the School.