Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has taken a decision to close a special class in a school (details supplied); if this school will lose a resource teacher as a result; if he will commit to maintaining teacher numbers as they currently stand in this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15441/11]

Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm if he will be in a position to grant the provision of a resource teacher for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [15619/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 249 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post-primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the allocation of resource teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.

The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such supports.

In respect of special classes, schools are required to observe Department policy in enrolling children to these classes. This includes having a professional assessment confirming that the child's attainment levels meet the Department's criteria and a recommendation for special class placement. Schools are eligible for resources for special classes when the pupils enrolled meet the Department's criteria.

Schools are required to liaise with their local SENO in the context of any proposed placements in such classes. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO.

In respect of resource teaching support, Circular 37/2011 provides information to schools regarding the arrangements which are being put in place for the 2011/12 school year for the allocation of Resource Teaching hours for children with assessed special educational needs. The NCSE are now in the process of notifying schools of their allocations for the coming school year.