Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 7

Written Answers. - Pupils with Behavioural Difficulties.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

53 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education the current provisions for the schooling of children with severe behavioural difficulties; the plans, if any, she has to review these provisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18089/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach):

In the majority of cases, the needs of pupils with behavioural difficulties are capable of being met within the mainstream school system with the support, where necessary, of remedial or resource teachers or guidance counsellors.

In addition, the Deputy may be aware that I have recently introduced a pilot scheme of teacher-counsellors which is intended to offer special targeted support to selected primary schools encountering particular difficulty in coping with disruptive and disturbed pupils. They key role of the teacher-counsellor is: (a) to co-ordinate a whole school approach to devising and implementing good practice and strategies which will help prevent the occurrence of disruptive behaviour; and (b) to teach and counsel small groups and individuals who exhibit persistent behavioural difficulties in the classroom.

The pilot scheme has been introduced in the Tallaght-Clondalkin and north inner city areas of Dublin. A total of 27 teacher-counsellors have been deployed to-date and the scheme is being closely monitored by my Department's Inspectorate.

Where more severe behavioural difficulties are identified as a result of an assessed emotional disturbance on the part of a child, placement can be arranged in one of the 14 special schools dedicated to the needs of such children. These schools have been established in close association with the child psychiatric services.

The Deputy will also wish to note that the health boards have recently developed a number of special residential care units to cater for children with serious emotional and behavioural difficulties. Each such unit is being designated as a special school by my Department and attracts favourable staffing and resource allocations.

I am satisfied that the range of provisions outlined caters adequately for the educational needs of the children concerned.