Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 93: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the proposed staffing allocation for 2011 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if staffing levels in special schools have a smaller pupil teacher ratio and a higher complement of special needs assistants than mainstream schools, and if the situation at this school is reflective of same; if an assessment of staffing needs was carried out over the past few years; the factors taken into account in any such assessment; if it was purely an examination of pupil teacher numbers or did a more qualitative assessment take place that examined the particular special needs of pupils at this school and any decisions that were made on the basis of same; if any changes in staffing levels are possible in view of any assessment, and if the school will be in a position to appeal same; if the school can ask for an independent assessment of their needs to be carried out by a qualified party other than the local SENO coordinator; if the results of an independent assessment can be taken into account in the event of the school appealing any decisions made by her on the future staffing levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47571/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Special schools have significantly reduced pupil teacher ratios, special needs assistant support and increased levels of capitation. The staffing of special schools is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. These ratios range from 6:1 to 11:1 depending on the level of disability.

As the Deputy may be aware, 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 to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

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. Although there is not presently an independent appeal mechanism, schools may appeal a decision to the NCSE. Information regarding the NCSE appeals process is available on the NCSE's website at www.ncse.ie