James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 508: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if there has been a change in policy whereby the guideline that children should be performing at or below the second percentile in order to access to a specific learning disability Unit is now being strictly adhered to; her views on whether boards of management should be able to evaluate each individual case on its own merits in order that vulnerable children are not written off by the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19919/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to confirm for the Deputy that the qualifying criteria for pupil enrolment in specific learning disability (SLD) special classes has not changed. The enrolment of a child in such classes is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of the school concerned. Schools are required to observe Department policy in enrolling children in these classes. This includes having a professional assessment confirming that the child's attainment levels meets the Department's criteria and a recommendation for special class placement. Schools are eligible for resources for SLD classes when the pupils enrolled meet the Department's criteria. These classes operate at a reduced pupil teacher ratio and pupils attending the classes attract a special increased rate of capitation grant. Schools are also required to liaise with the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) in the context of any proposed placements in such classes.

The Deputy is aware that a key focus and priority of my Department is to provide for resources in schools to support pupils with special educational needs, including those with a SLD. I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department implemented a General Allocation System of learning support/resource teachers to mainstream primary schools in September 2005. This model ensures that mainstream primary schools have the additional teaching resources already in place to enable them cater for children with high-incidence special educational needs, including pupils with SLD. A comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05, was issued to schools to provide guidelines and advice on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local SENOs, is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs support. The NCSE operates within the Department's criteria in allocating such support. The responsibility also includes identifying appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. 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.