Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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140. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way she will address concerns that have been expressed regarding the proposed new special needs model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8771/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I recently announced that I am not proposing to change the way teachers are allocated to schools for children with Special Educational Needs for the coming school year.

In taking this decision, I have been guided by the advice of the NCSE Working Group report, which recommended sufficient time be allowed for consultation before the new model is implemented.

Through consultations, there was a broad welcome for the proposed new model from Parents, disability groups, schools and stakeholders. However, there has not been sufficient time to address all of the concerns which have been raised in advance of the 2015 school year.

In particular, a robust mechanism for identifying children with complex special educational needs has yet to be finalised.

Work will continue to develop the proposed model and to address concerns identified through consultation. I have asked my Department to design a pilot of the new model while consultations will also continue to take place.