Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

212 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she will have arrangements made for a full educational assessment of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 who has been out of school for some time and whose father is anxious that an appropriate placement be found for him. [5010/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department is aware of the case referred to by the Deputy.

My Department wrote to the family of the pupil in question on 16 July and 10 September last seeking information considered to be of relevance in establishing the child's educational needs. Following consultations with a school in the boy's locality, my Department again wrote to the family on 19 September advising that they make contact with the school concerned to discuss the boy's needs further with a view to possible placement in the school.

To date, no reply has been received to any of my Department communications. I also understand that although the school was contacted on a preliminary basis by the family, this was not followed up by the family. My Department is now making arrangements to have an educational assessment carried out on the pupil.