Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the provision she expects to make in the current year to meet the requirements as set out by the various school authorities in respect of extra special needs assistants, resource or special needs teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18319/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There has been unprecedented investment in providing supports for pupils with special needs in recent years and Special Education continues to be a key Government priority. Over €1 billion is being spent in supporting special educational provision this year.

The Deputy is aware that schools apply to the National Council for Special Education for supports for pupils with special educational needs such as resource teaching and special needs assistants. There are now about 20,000 adults in our schools working solely with pupils with special needs. This includes over 10,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs); 8,600 resource and learning support teachers; over 1,100 special school teachers and hundreds of other teachers in special classes. There has been no change to the policies which underpin the allocation of either SNA or resource teaching support to schools.

My Department continues to fund special school transport arrangements for pupils with special educational needs. Funding is also provided to schools to purchase assistive technology and/or specialist equipment. In addition, funding can be provided for school buildings to be adapted where necessary.

In 2005, all primary schools were allocated additional permanent teaching resources to assist schools in making provision for children with higher incidence special educational needs. Most pupils with high incidence special educational needs are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

At post primary level, or where a primary pupil has a low incidence special educational need, schools may apply to the National Council for Special Education for an individual allocation of teaching support.

My Department has also responded to the need to provide teachers with continuing professional development in special education. This has been a key priority in recent years. The establishment of the Special Education Support Service (SESS) to provide expert support, professional development and training opportunities in special education for school staff has been very significant. Last year alone 23,602 training places were provided through the SESS.

I wish to emphasise that special education remains a key priority for my Department. I can assure the House that resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet pupils' needs in line with my Department's policy.