Update: Availability of Special Needs Classes, 1st July 2015

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she is
satisfied regarding the availability of special needs classes throughout the
primary and second level sectors; if adequate special needs teachers and
special needs assistants continue to be made available in sufficient numbers to
meet the ongoing and future needs; and if she will make a statement on the
matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.

This year we have again increased the number of special classes which will open
for 2015/16 school year with additional 149 special classes to open in
September.

This brings to over 1,000, the number of special classes in mainstream schools
and represents a 17% increase over the 2014/15 number of special classes.

In addition, 11,330 SNA posts, an increase of 365 posts, or over 3%, are
available to the NCSE to allocate to the end of the current year.

This is the highest level of Special Class provision and SNA support that we
have ever had, and will ensure that children with special educational needs can
continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate
to their needs.