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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Mar 1997

Vol. 477 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

167 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education her views on the position regarding children with a language impairment and the provision of sufficient language classes and units for such children; the reason there is a large variation between the level of provision in the north and south side of Dublin city (details supplied); and the reason there are so few units or facilities on the north side of Dublin. [8634/97]

Special classes for children with specific speech and language disorders are established where a need has been indentified and supported by up-to-date psychological and speech therapy reports in respect of the children in question. The location of individual classes in dictated solely by the prevalence of need in particular areas. The Deputy's assertion of discrimination against particular areas is entirely without foundation.

At present, a total of 25 such classes are in place in the primary system. Each class operates at a pupil teacher ratio of 8:1. Seven of these classes are located in Dublin, five on the south side of the city and two on the north side. My Department is currently considering the establishment of a third such class on the north side of Dublin city. The establishment of such a class will require the availability of a speech therapy service from the relevant health board. My Department is in ongoing contact with the health board in relation to this matter.

The needs of children with specific speech and language disorders is kept under ongoing review by my Department. If the Deputy has a specific area of need in mind, he should advise my Department of the case in question so that the matter can be investigated.
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