Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

392 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is frequently a delay in applications on behalf of students with dyslexia for the special concessions available for State exams including the use of tape recorders and computers with a resultant lack of time to appeal the decision; if there are guidelines with regard to the length of time these decisions should take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14874/99]

My Department is not aware of any case where it was not possible to process an appeal application. The special arrangements appeals committee is prepared to consider appeals right up to the commencement of the examinations.

Applications for special arrangements on behalf of a candidate at the certificate examinations are invited well in advance of the actual examinations, usually one year in advance. This is for the express purpose of providing time for the processing of the applications, conducting any assessment procedures deemed necessary and affording time for appeal.

While a deadline exists for receipt of applications my Department is not inflexible and accepts late applications if circumstances warrant. This can, however, give rise to notification of outcome quite late in the school year. The alternative is to refuse to accept late applications. I believe that would be unfair in situations for example where students' learning difficulties may have only recently been discovered or where, through no fault of the student, there was a failure to make an application to the Department on time.

My Department will continue to make every effort to determine cases as quickly as possible.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

393 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Scoil Caitríona Renmore, is the only school in Galway city which has a speech and language class; and the plans, if any, he has to establish similar classes in any other schools in Galway city or county. [14875/99]

There are two classes for children with specific speech and language disorder in Scoil Caitríona, Renmore, Galway. My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the possibility of establishing a similar class in the east Galway area.

I am aware that delays have been experienced in some areas in establishing special classes for specific speech and language disorder. Such delays have largely arisen because of difficulties in securing the services of the necessary speech therapists.

Special classes for children with specific speech and language disorders are established where a need has been identified and supported by up-to-date psychological and speech therapy reports in respect of the children in question. Each class caters for a maximum of seven children and each class requires the services of a speech therapist. The relevant health board is responsible for providing the speech therapy service.
Top
Share