Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 6

Written Answers. - Education Facilities.

Mary Flaherty

Question:

80 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the failure of his Department to provide proper care and education facilities for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has been offered a place in a special school in Devon, England. [5514/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): My Department is not directly involved in the provision of places for individual children requiring special care and education. This is a matter for the health boards in consultation with the Department of Education.

In relation to this particular case, I understand that the Department of Education is currently examining all options regarding suitable education facilities for the individual concerned, including the facility mentioned by the Deputy. As soon as a decision is taken on the location of a placement that best meets the special education needs of the individual concerned, the need for complementary residential provision will be addressed by the Eastern Health Board.