The Irish National TeachersÂ’ Organisation has condemned the decision to cut the number of teaching hours for children with special needs.

The National Council for Special Education said the cut was down to a significant increase in the number of students with special needs. Over 42,000 students will receive extra support during the next school year, compared to 38,400 last year.

The union has accused the Department of Education and Skills and the National Council for Special Education of attempting to hide the extent of the cutbacks from parents.

Sheila Nunan, General Secretary of the Irish National TeachersÂ’ Organisation says this decision undermines the principles of inclusive schools.