Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet the special needs requirements at primary and post-primary level throughout the country in the coming year notwithstanding the on-going economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51587/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to meet the full requirement of special needs assistants in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51590/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take questions 274 and 277 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that whereas it is not possible to anticipate future budgetary decisions, that this Government is committed to the protection of frontline services for pupils 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 – was spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs in 2011. The provision for the current year is in line with expenditure last year and shows that despite the current economic difficulties, the overall level of funding for special education has been retained.

In line with this Government's commitment to frontline services for pupils with special educational needs:

- 10,575 whole time equivalent (wte) Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts are being provided for primary, post-primary and special schools for the current school year in order to support the care needs of pupils with disabilities.

- 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.

- Over 1,100 teachers are also being provided for in special schools providing teaching to pupils with various disabilities at much reduced pupil: teacher ratios, for example the autism PTR is 6:1 and the 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.

- An extended school year is also currently available for pupils who have either a severe/profound general learning disability or who have autism.

The continued commitment of this Government to special education provision, at a time when savings are being required across a range of expenditure areas has ensured that children with special educational needs can continue to have access to educational facilities in line with their requirements.