Written answers

Wednesday, 27 October 2010

Department of Education and Science

Special Educational Needs

8:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 180: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of whole time equivalent special needs assistants presently employed in the primary and post primary school system respectively; the corresponding figure for the last school year; the steps she will take to protect this service from budget cuts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39448/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I can confirm for the Deputy that there were 8,403 whole-time equivalent (wte) SNAs employed in Primary schools in September 2009 and 8,141 in September 2010. At post primary level there were 1,911 wte SNAs employed in September 2009 and 2,065 in September 2010.

I do not intend to comment on budgetary issues but I can confirm for the Deputy that my Department is very supportive of the SNA scheme. It has been a key factor in both ensuring the successful integration of children with special educational needs into mainstream education and providing support to pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.