Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 4

Written Answers. - Learning Disabilities.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

113 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will have arrangements made for a review of the educational needs of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath particularly in view of a report from the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities. [3184/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The position regarding the candidate referred to by the Deputy is that an application has been made on his behalf by his school for special examination arrangements in the Junior Certificate Examination, which he is due to take this year. The application, including a psychological report from the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, has been considered by a Department psychologist. The psychologist has concluded that the appropriate response to the application is to notify examiners of the school's concern regarding the readability of the candidate's work.

The school is not satisfied with this arrangement and has appealed, by letter dated 28 January 1997, to the special arrangements appeals committee. This committee is an independent body of five persons, consisting of two officers of my Department and three members from outside my Department, including the chairperson. The school is seeking that question papers be read to the candidate and that a scribe be available to write down the candidate's answers.

Arrangements have been made to have the matter considered by the special arrangements appeals committee at their next meeting on 17 February 1997. The committee's decision will be communicated to the candidate's school as soon as possible after that meeting.