Olivia Mitchell
Question:590 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if the application for funding or part funding of the special schooling costs in England of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is to be sanctioned. [14600/97]
Written Answers - Special Education Needs.
I am aware of the application referred to by the Deputy.
I understand that the parents of the child in question decided to send their son, who is profoundly deaf, to be educated in the United Kingdom when he completed his primary education at St. Joseph's special school, Cabra.
St. Joseph's special school caters for children with hearing impairment up to 18 years of age. The school is capable of providing for all pupils with hearing impairment, including those with profound deafness. I am informed that the school is capable of meeting the special needs of the pupil in question.
My Department does not have the resources to duplicate provision by providing supports to schools in Ireland and also supporting the education abroad of children for whom a suitable service is available in Ireland. In the circumstances, I regret that my Department is unable to make funding available in this case.