Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 4

Written Answers. - Second-Level Education.

Derek McDowell

Question:

159 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Education the nature of the provision at second-level education in north Dublin for children with Down's syndrome who have benefited from integrated teaching in national schools. [3165/96]

Derek McDowell

Question:

160 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Education if second level education will be provided for a person (detail supplied) in Dublin 5. [3166/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.

My Department is aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The question of the pupils admission to a second-level school is a matter in the first instance for discussion between the parents and the appropriate school authorities. However, I am arranging for my Department to have the case in question investigated.

Children with Down's syndrome attending second-level schools can avail of the visiting teacher service. The role of the service is to assist in meeting the special education needs of children with certain types of disabilities, including Down's syndrome. The visiting teacher service is just one of the support services available for pupils with special needs. Pupils with learning difficulties are also supported by the remedial and resource teacher services.

I allocated an additional 56 resource posts to second level schools with effect from the beginning of the current school year. Four of these posts were allocated to schools in the north Dublin area. A total of 19 second level schools in the north Dublin area now have the services of a resource teacher.