Some 350 special-needs teachers are to be appointed as part of a new scheme to tackle learning difficulties among primary school pupils.
The Minister for Education and Science, Mr Dempsey, also approved a new system for allocating resources for special needs at primary level which he hopes will create greater efficiency in providing assistance for nearly 6,000 pupils.
The new system will involve a weighted allocation of resources, making allowance for differing incidences of pupils with special needs, learning-support needs and learning disabilities and dyslexia. It will also allow for individual allocations for pupils with more acute needs.
"The revised system will reduce the administrative burden on schools and allow them to concentrate on the delivery of services to pupils with special needs. It will also allow psychologists to devote more time to advising teachers on planning for individual children and for whole school provision," Mr Dempsey said.
The current system is time-consuming and places significant demands on principals, teachers and psychologists - in turn delaying the allocation of resources.
The Minster said the new system will greatly reduce the need for individual applications and supporting psychological assessments.
The allocation of special-needs teachers will be based on school numbers with regard to the proportion of boys in the school; studies show higher instances of boys with special needs.