Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will increase the number of special needs assistants, resource teachers or learning support teachers in a manner commensurate to the increase in the school going population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17549/13]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Expenditure supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs in 2013 is expected to be in line with that provided in 2012, at some €1.3bn, which is approximately 15% of the entire budget of the Department.

Despite the current economic difficulties, the number of Special Needs Assistants and Resource and Learning Support Teachers has been maintained. Specifically, 9,950 posts have been provided for Resource and Learning Support Teachers for the current school year and 10,575 posts have been provided for Special Needs Assistants. These are at the same levels as last year. The position for the coming school year will be considered in light of the number of applications for support received by the National Council for Special Education and the need to remain within the staffing limits set by the Government's Employment Control Framework.