Emmet Stagg
Question:424 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in issuing a response to inquiries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15154/99]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
I recently announced a major development in special education services under which all children with special needs within the primary system are now formally entitled to a response to those needs.
This development has given rise to a very significant increase in demand for special support services and my Department is endeavouring to deal with these requests as speedily as possible.
In relation to the specific case to which the Deputy refers, my Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the special needs of the pupil in question and a number of other special needs pupils enrolled in or due to be enrolled in the school. Once the inspector's report has been completed, a decision will be made on the precise level of special support required to cater for the children in question.