Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

261 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the school-based back-up services, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and care assistants, which will be available to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and the person who will be responsible in this regard when it becomes a pilot project in the near future. [8206/97]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

262 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education whether a comprehensive response will be made to a letter (details supplied) posted in County Donegal on 15 May 1996 to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8207/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.

Children attending the special class in the school referred to by the Deputy will receive education from a teacher in a class with a maximum of six pupils. In addition, these children will require a range of back-up services including those referred to by the Deputy. The back-up services, with the exception of a child care assistant, will be made available by the North-Western Health Board.

My Department allocated a child care assistant post to the school in June 1995, when plans for the establishment of the special class were at an early stage of development. It was indicated to the school that this post was being provided on the basis that it was to be used specifically for this class when it was established.

Responsibility for the operation of the class will rest in the first instance with the class teacher, under the direction of the principal of the school. However, the teacher and child care assistant will work closely with the professional staff employed by the health board. This work will be arranged as part of the multi-disciplinary approach and in a spirit of close co-operation between the staff involved.

I am aware of the letter mentioned by the Deputy, which relates to detailed information concerning the provision of supports for special classes. Officials of my Department have been in contact with the school in question on an ongoing basis regarding the establishment of a class for children with severe-profound mental handicap. Plans for this class are now at an advanced stage and I understand that it will become operational in the near future.

A comprehensive reply to the letter mentioned will issue within the next two weeks.