Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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159. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the substantial concerns from teachers regarding the implementation of a new system for the allocation of special and additional teaching hours; the level and frequency of consultation with teachers and representative bodies; if her Department and the associated National Council for Special Education will engage in further consultation in order that we can ensure that the proposed system is agreeable to all involved and most importantly beneficial to pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5146/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that, the National Council for Special Education published its Report on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs on 18th June 2014. This Report was prepared by a Working Group, appointed by the NCSE and Chaired by Mr Eamon Stack, which included representatives from disability organisations and also parent representative bodies.

An extensive consultation process was undertaken by the Working Group with stakeholders to inform the development of its report. Consultation meetings were held with the Health Service Executive, teachers, principals, union officials, parents, school management bodies, National Educational Psychological Services, advocacy groups, the Inspectorate, and Special Educational Needs Organisers.

Subsequent to the publication of the NCSE working group report, my Department invited education partners, stakeholders, and parent representative groups to make written submissions in relation to the NCSE report. 29 such written submissions have been received to date.

In October last year, officials at my Department held consultations with primary and post primary management bodies, teacher organisations, groups representing those with disabilities and parents' representatives.

Officials again met with representatives from these groups on 20th, 22nd and 30th of January last in order to further consult with these bodies.

I can confirm that officials have advised all stakeholders that there will be ongoing consultation with them as the work on the development of the model progresses.