Early decision on special needs ‘vital’

A DECISION on special needs staffing allocations must be made within weeks to end the crisis facing primary schools, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation general secretary John Carr said yesterday.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin was unable to give the union’s annual congress in Galway a date when they would know their allocations for next year. She said that, while it is proving difficult to find a staffing model to ensure no school loses resources, principals would be told in time to advertise positions and make appointments where necessary.

But Mr Carr reiterated the union’s position that a fully integrated system of special education will never work without the addition of at least 1,000 teachers.