Vol. 409 No. 4
227 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education if she will outline by whom arrangements are being made to set up the committees to examine issues relating to children with learning difficulties; if she will further outline the persons who will be represented on the committees; and if she will invite individuals to make representations for inclusion on committees.
I take it the Deputy is referring to the special committee which is being established to review and make recommendations on educational provisions for children with special needs, as recommended by the Primary Education Review Body.
The chairman of the committee is Mr. Declan Brennan, former secretary of my Department.
The terms of reference of the committee are as follows: the identification of children with special needs and their assessment with a view to determining the educational provision best suited to the needs of each child; the arrangements which should be put in place in order to provide for the educational requirements of such children through complete or partial integration in ordinary school, through special classes in ordinary schools or through special schools or other special arrangements, in accordance with the circumstances as assessed of each child; the range of support services which may be required and in particular the future relationship between remedial teachers, visiting teachers, other support teachers and ordinary class teacher; and the linkages which should exist with other Departments of State and services provided under their aegis.
Arrangements to set up this committee are being finalised at present by my Department. The composition of the committee will be such as to reflect the wide range of interests in this area and will include representatives of parents, teachers, schools managements and specialists in the special education area, together with representatives of my Department.
I am sure the committee will be pleased to take submissions from all interested parties.
