Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

282 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of places in special classes in both primary and second level schools in Dublin city and county and the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2535/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The information sought by the Deputy is given in the following table:

	Dublin City and County	Rest of Country
Primary
Number of Special Classes	170	212
Number of Places (Approx.)	2,015	1,998
Second Level
Number of Special Classes	25	56
Number of Places (Approx.)	281	652

Each of the special classes in question is dedicated to pupils with particular special needs and operates with a significantly reduced pupil teacher ratio. Children attending special classes also attract increased rates of capitation funding.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

283 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the system of integration, if any, which is operated by his Department, to assist pupils of special classes in primary schools at the end of their primary education to transfer to appropriate special classes in second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2536/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department provides a range of supports to second level schools to enable them to cater for students with special needs, including students transferring from special classes at primary level. The supports in question include remedial and resource teacher allocations and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment to assist students with special educational needs.

Enrolments in second level schools are the responsibility of the managerial authorities of individual schools and my Department does not normally interfere in decisons made by schools in such matters.

However, my Department will seek to provide every assistance in individual cases where parents or guardians encounter difficulty in securing a suitable educational placement. Such cases may involve my Department's psychological service and or inspectorate in liaising witht the student's family and schools close to the student's home.

If necessary, my Department will consider the provision of additional resources to second level schools in order to facilitate the placement of students with special needs.