Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

111. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the report of the working group to review special education which he established in June 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42256/13]

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

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has established a Working Group to develop a proposal, for consideration, for a new model for the allocation of teaching supports for children with Special Educational Needs, based on the educational profile of a school. Mr Eamon Stack, the NCSE Chairperson and former Chief Inspector in my Department, has been appointed to chair this working group.

I received an oral briefing from the Chairperson on the progress of the work of this group to date, on 2nd October, 2013. The group expects to complete its work by the end of Spring next year.

The NCSE consulted widely with interested parties in developing its policy advice and I understand that the Working Group has also consulted a range of interested parties as its work has progressed. The final proposals will be considered by my Department prior to any changes being made to the existing allocation system.