Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the budgetary provisions for education with respect to the disabled for 2004. [9952/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The details requested by the Deputy are as follows. The number of learning support teachers in the primary school system stands at 1,531 at present. The annual salary cost of these teachers is approximately €54 million. The number of resource teachers in primary schools is more than 2,600 currently. The annual salary cost of these teachers is estimated at more than €75 million. The number of special needs assistants in the primary system is 4,319 full-time and 1,353 part-time posts. The salary cost of this service is estimated at €120 million for 2004.

The allocation for part-time tuition services for children with special educational needs is €31.7 million in 2004. Funding towards special equipment within the primary school system is €3 million in 2004. Children attending special classes attached to mainstream schools, in common with children attending special schools, are entitled to avail of the special school transport service. Provision is also made for the appointment of escorts on all special school transport services. The entire school transport budget for 2004 is approximately €110.5 million and it is estimated that 30% of the budget will be allocated to fund all special needs transport arrangements for the year. Enhanced capitation rates are paid in respect of pupils attending special schools and special classes. These special rates can range from €370 to €589.50 per pupil, depending on the level of need involved.

The resources that have been and continue to be allocated by my Department represent real and substantial improvements in special education services. They provide concrete evidence of the Government's commitment to build on the unprecedented development of special education services.