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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 4

Written Answers. - Educational Facilities for Handicapped.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

194 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education the action she proposes to take to rectify the situation whereby children who should be enrolled in special schools are not being identified because of a grossly inadequate psychological service; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that because of insufficient funding mildly and moderately handicapped children are being placed in the wrong educational establishments and are being sent in some cases to mainstream schools which do not have the resources to provide properly for these children; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

The health authorities provide a full medical, social and psychological assessment service for all children with disabilities.

Such assessments form the basis for consideration of appropriate educational placement by the inspectorate of my Department in consultation with the school authorities concerned. However, no decisions regarding placement are taken without the clear agreement of a child's parents and there are occasions where parents choose to send their children to ordinary national schools.

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