Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that there are no cuts to funding for special needs assistants, resource and learning support teachers in Budget 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51328/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to anticipate future budgetary decisions.

This Government, however, remains committed to the protection of frontline services for pupils with special educational needs.

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 not been cut. The total number of Special Needs Assistants and Resource teaching posts available for allocation this year has not been reduced.

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.