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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.

Brendan Smith

Question:

265 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the cost of employing a visiting teacher for children with Down's syndrome in primary schools in counties Cavan and Monaghan have to be met by the local Down's Syndrome Association; her views on whether the special educational needs of these children should be provided for by the State; if she will provide appropriate funding towards the costs of employing such a teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24678/96]

My Department has not previously been made aware that the Down's Syndrome Association in Counties Cavan and Monaghan has employed a teacher to support children with Down's syndrome in those areas.

A range of special support services are currently available for children with special needs attending ordinary primary schools, including children with Down's syndrome.

At present in County Cavan, 74 per cent of primary school children have access to a remedial teacher service. In County Monaghan, this service is available to 83 per cent of primary school children. In addition, a special resource teacher is based in the Cavan area to cater for children with particular disabilities, including Down's syndrome, attending certain primary schools in the area. The visiting teacher service is also available to children with special needs, including Down's syndrome, in the Cavan and Monaghan areas.

If the Deputy wishes to forward particulars of the children in question, I will arrange for my Department's inspectorate to investigate the matter further.

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