Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1204: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that all teachers and assistants have access to specialist training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29464/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has provided for a comprehensive system of continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers in the area of special educational needs. Central to this is the "Special Education Support Service" (SESS) which was established in September 2003. The service consolidates co-ordinates, develops and delivers a range of professional development initiatives and support structures for school personnel working with students with special educational needs in a variety of educational settings. These settings include mainstream primary and post-primary schools, special schools and special classes.

The CPD provided by the SESS covers a range of specialties, including inter alia: Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) Dyslexia Challenging Behaviour Post-primary issues in Special Educational Needs Specialist training for Autism Units attached to schools

The SESS has also been involved in the provision of intensive CPD for teachers working in new Autism Units opened since 2007. The SESS provides a wide range of supports and interventions in the area of Autism via online training, face-to-face training, phone advice and individualised support for schools identified with continuing professional development needs. The approaches include Language and Communication, Managing Inclusion, Curriculum Access for Pupils with General Learning Disabilities and Autism, Sensory Integration, PECS, TEACCH, Social Stories, and Applied Behaviour Analysis. Delivery of this CPD begins prior to their entry to the units and continues following the opening of the unit with ongoing in school support as well as programmes of CPD. Furthermore, as part of an initiative rolled out for the 08/09 school year, teachers can have SESS CPD in the area of ASDs accredited by St Angela's College in Sligo.

My Department has established a Special Educational Needs Behaviour Team as part of the SESS. This team has responsibility for the delivery of CPD and support to consolidate teachers' knowledge and skills in behavioural support and in the application of behavioural principles to learning through the use of contemporary applied behaviour analysis strategies.

In addition, my Department funds several third level courses in teacher training colleges and universities. These include: Combined Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuing Professional Development for Teachers involved in Learning Support & Special Education (available in seven colleges across the country) (300 places available annually). Masters in Special Educational Needs (St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra) (16 places available annually) Graduate Certificate in the education of pupils with ASD (St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra) (18 places available annually) Online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/Inclusive Education) (225 places available annually)

My Department is also currently examining all available options with regard to the provision of CPD to provide teachers with the skills necessary for the design, implementation and evaluation of learning and teaching programmes for students learning through the medium of Irish Sign Language.

CPD also forms a significant part of the preparatory work necessary for the successful implementation of the Education for People with Special Educational needs (EPSEN) Act. The SESS will provide one full day of CPD for the Principal and a number of key teaching staff in all Primary and Post-Primary schools during 2009. This programme of CPD commenced in primary schools in May 2009 and is expected to commence in post-primary schools in Autumn. The CPD centres on principles of best practice in relation to individualised planning for students with special educational needs.

The Special Education Support Service (SESS) provided over 25,000 continuing professional development (CPD) places in 2008. 36,000 places are to be provided by the SESS in 2009.

In terms of training for Special Needs Assistants, my Department currently funds a certificate for Special Needs Assistants delivered by: St. Angela's college, Sligo (55 places available annually). Mary Immaculate College, Limerick (45 places available annually). Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines (25 places available annually).

Introductory courses are also provided through Education Centres, which can be taken as a stand alone course or as part of the above-mentioned certificate.