Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 1990

Vol. 396 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Schools Unit.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

228 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the functions of the special schools unit of her Department; if the provision of a psychological service to these special schools is or was a function of the unit; and, if not, if she will implement a scheme to provide a psychological service in special schools.

The principal function of the special education section relate to the administration within my Department of the following: special national schools for mentally and physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed, hearing impaired, visually impaired and for travellers; special classes in ordinary national schools for mentally handicapped, hearing impaired, language and hearing impaired and for travellers; schools for young offenders; grants for national schools in disadvantaged areas; pre-schools for travellers; transport facilities for all categories of handicapped pupils and for travellers; and visiting teacher service and home tuition scheme.

While the health boards provide an assessment service for children who are referred as needing special educational arrangements, a psychological service is not provided at present to special schools. However, as I have recently announced, the establishment of a primary schools' psychological service is being initiated on a pilot basis. It is intended that special national schools would be included in the coverage of any such service.

Top
Share