Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); the actions he proposes to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22453/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Firstly, I wish to reiterate this Government's commitment to the provision of resources for children with special educational needs.

The Programme for Government sets out that education will be a priority for this Government and that we will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students.

Approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department – some €1.3 billion – will be spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs this year. This provision is in line with expenditure in 2010 and shows that despite the current economic difficulties, funding for special education has not been cut. This Government is committed to the protection of front-line services for pupils with special educational needs.

A total of 10,575 whole time equivalent (wte) Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts are being provided for primary, post-primary and special schools for the coming school year in order to support the care needs of pupils with disabilities. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. For example, it represents an increase over the December 2010 position where 10,543 posts were sanctioned and in place.

Approximately 9,950 learning support/resource teacher posts, including those provided under the General Allocation model, are also being provided in primary & post primary schools in order to provide additional teaching support to pupils with special educational needs. This represents an increase of approximately 350 whole time equivalent posts over last year's allocation.

Over 1,000 teachers are also being provided for in special schools providing teaching to pupils with various disabilities at much reduced pupil: teacher ratios e.g. autism PTR is 6:1; moderate general learning disability PTR is 8:1. Enhanced levels of school capitation are payable to most special schools and special classes and special School Transport arrangements for pupils with disabilities are provided at a cost of over €60m per year. Approximately €1.3m is also provided annually to schools for assistive technology support.

Early educational intervention is provided for children with autism from 21⁄2 years of age. There are now 56 early intervention classes for children with autism attached to mainstream schools that are funded by the Department. Funding is also provided through the home tuition programme for children with autism aged from 2 1⁄2 years to 5 who are unable to access an early intervention class. An extended school year is also currently available for pupils who have either a severe/profound general learning disability or who have autism.

In all, €1.3bn has been allocated in the 2011 budget to support pupils with special educational needs. This level of expenditure represents a significant commitment to special education provision at a time when savings are being required across a range of expenditure areas.