Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Michael Creed

Question:

473 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances surrounding the provision of a special education class for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has further been drawn to the early morning start and the long travel distance involved for the person in view of the fact that he has recently been suspended off the special bus provided, which has no supervisor, and he now has to travel on the public bus service; if any attempts have been made to investigate the possibility of him attending the special class at Bandon, County Cork, which would be nearer his home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22927/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The pupil in question was assessed as having a mild general learning disability and was originally enrolled in a special school in Cork which caters for these children from four to 18 years of age.

I understand that following the family's move to the Bandon area, the boy was enrolled in a special class for pupils with mild general learning disability at Bandon boys' national school. I understand that he remained there until June 1999 when he completed his primary education.

Following his departure from Bandon national school, consideration was given to placing the boy in question in a special class at Bandon post primary school. However, such a placement was not considered appropriate to meet the child's particular special needs and he returned to the special school in which he was originally enrolled.

My Department has allocated funding to this special school to facilitate the appointment of escorts on each of its special transport services. The school authorities have recently informed my Department that they are currently in the process of recruiting escorts for each of their special transport services, including the service previously availed of by the boy in question. Bus Éireann, which operates the service in question, has indicated that the boy will be accommodated on the service as soon as the escort is in place.

I can assure the Deputy that I am anxious that the necessary arrangements are put in place to meet the needs of the child as speedily as possible.