The Government is set to approve a proposal from Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn to hire 400 special needs assistants for schools.

Government sources said the move would cost about €30,000 per position, or €12 million in total, and is being done to keep up with increased demand.

It is expected the decision will be made by the Cabinet at its weekly meeting later today.

The positions will be made available for the coming year, but it is believed all 400 will not be needed immediately.

The assistants are recruited to help with the care of pupils with disabilities, such as assisting them physically, and can be appointed to special or mainstream schools.

It is understood all the positions will be full-time.