Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 7

Written Answers. - Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee.

Ivor Callely

Question:

75 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, of the interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on services for young people with educational needs; the role and input of the committee; the reporting procedures; if reports will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3721/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on services for young people with special educational needs held its first meeting in December, 1995.

The committee has drawn up a comprehensive list of agenda items which require discussion. Initially, the intention is that the committee will meet on a monthly basis.

The terms of reference of the committee are: (1) to identify existing and anticipated areas of service delivery where improved or modified approaches or structures are required; (2) in respect of each area identified, to bring forward recommendations for future approaches, specifying in each case the respective roles and responsibilities of the Departments of Education and Health and their agents; (3) to make such further recommendations as are considered necessary or desirable for the achievement of a more effective and efficient delivery of services to special needs children and (4) to co-ordinate policy and monitor service delivery on an ongoing basis.

The committee is comprised of a core membership of administrative and professional staff from the Departments of Education and Health. Membership of the committee can be supplemented where necessary to address particular issues.

It is not envisaged that the committee will engage in the preparation of formal reports. Rather, it will pursue the objective of achieving maximum coordination of service delivery through consultation and agreement with relevant parties.

The committee will keep the Minister for Health and myself informed of the progress of its work and will consult where necessary on particular issues.