Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

206 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties which parents of children with muscular dystrophy experience in relation to ensuring a thorough, informed and sympathetic framework for their children's education particularly at primary level; and the steps, if any, that are currently being taken to meet the special educational needs of such children. [12486/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I can assure the Deputy that I would be most anxious that all special needs children, including those with muscular dystrophy, would enjoy a thorough, informed and sympathetic educational environment.

Since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have attached a high priority to improving the quality and level of support services available to children with special educational needs, including those with muscular dystrophy.

The nature of the response required by such children can vary depending on the particular needs of the individual child concerned. In some cases, placement in an ordinary primary school can be the most suitable option supported, if necessary, by a remedial or resource teacher. Since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have appointed an additional 241 remedial teachers and 29 resource teachers to the primary sector.

In more serious cases, the child may require placement in one of the special schools dedicated to children with a physical handicap. At the commencement of the current school year I introduced a one unit reduction in the pupil teacher ratio in all such schools.

I am continuing to review needs in this area to ensure the best possible quality and level of service for all such children within available resources.

The measures set out in the White Paper in relation to special needs pupils are intended to refine and develop the current range of responses. A key objective will be to ensure that all children with special educational needs, including those with muscular dystrophy, will have the opportunity of having those needs addressed in their own area and on a basis which is sufficiently flexible to meet the evolving needs of the children concerned.