Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet the full requirement in respect of special needs teachers and special needs assistants in all schools throughout the country in the coming year, with particular reference to the need to address those areas most seriously affected by demographic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29372/14]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Expenditure supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs was some €1.3bn in 2013, which represents approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department. These resources have been protected, or in some areas have been increased in 2014 to take into account increased demand and demographic growth, despite the ongoing severe financial position and a requirement to make expenditure savings across a range of areas. This year provision is being made for up to 10,965 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), of whom over 10,900 SNAs are initially being allocated to schools in September, along with over 11,000 Learning Support and Resource Teachers.

More resources than ever before are being provided to ensure that the educational requirements of children with special needs can continue to be met at primary and second level and that as many children as possible can be educated with their peers in mainstream education.

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