Richard Bruton promises increase in special needs assistants

Education Minister Richard Bruton has promised that no child in the country will be left without a special needs assistant by year end. He made the pledge as he announced existing funds will be used to place another 860 special needs assistants in schools in the new academic year.

A review of the special needs assistants’ scheme will also be carried out, the minister announced: “Diagnostic methods have changed, we know more about needs of how children progress. It’s appropriate we view this on how to make things better, so kids get on better and make more progress and get better outcomes in the education system.”

Asked if the announcement of the special needs assistants would ensure every child who needs one would get one, the minister replied: “It does, absolutely.”