Vol. 485 No. 4
190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the efforts, if any, which are being made to provide a mainstream junior certificate education place for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23562/97]
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. The selection and enrolment of pupils in second level schools is, in the first instance, the responsibility of individual schools. However, in exceptional cases, my Department does become involved in trying to establish how best the needs of individual pupils can be met and assists in seeking an approprite school placement.
My Department's psychological service liaised with the family in this case for some time endeavouring to ensure that the boy would be retained within the mainstream school system through the provision of appropriate supports. Since his exclusion from his former school, significant effort has been made to secure a suitable alternative placement for him. All educational options are currently being considered in the case and I expect that suitable arrangements will be put in place shortly.
