Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 86: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) concerning education for persons with Down syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36528/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to advise the Deputy that pupils with Down syndrome may receive additional teaching support in primary schools, either under the terms of the General Allocation Model (GAM) of teaching supports, if the pupil's educational psychological assessment places the pupil in the mild general learning disability/high incidence disability category, or through an allocation of individual additional resource teaching hours if the child is assessed as being within the low incidence category of special need, as defined by my Department's Circular Sp Ed 02/05. Pupils with Down syndrome who have care needs may also receive access to Special Needs Assistant support.

A review of the General Allocation Model has been undertaken and completed by my Department. The issue of whether Down syndrome should be classified as a low incidence disability in all instances was considered as part of this review. My Department has also received a submission from Down Syndrome Ireland regarding this matter. The recommendations of the review of the General Allocation Model and the submission from Down Syndrome Ireland are being considered in the context of my Department's Employment Control Framework obligations, competing demands on teacher numbers, and educational resources.