Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Ivor Callely

Question:

119 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the categories of special schools providing for special needs in Dublin 3, 5 and 9; if other categories of special needs have been identified; the required needs and the required accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7585/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

There are six special national schools in Dublin 3, 5 and 9 catering for children with special needs as follows:

School Name	Special Need
St. Ciaran's special school, St. Canice's Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.	Pupils with a mild mental handicap
St. Michael's House special school, Dublin Road, Raheny, Dublin 5	Pupils with a moderate, severe or profound mental handicap
St. Paul's Hospital school, Beaumont, Dublin 9,	Pupils who are emotionally disturbed or who have behavioural difficulties
Central Remedial Clinic special school, Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3.	Pupils with a physical disability
St. Thomas' special school, Clonshaugh, Coolock, Dublin 5	Pupils from the travelling community
St. Joseph's special school, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.	Pupils who are visually impaired.

Special schools are established in response to identified levels of special need which cannot be adequately met through placement in special classes attached to ordinary schools or through integration of the children in question into mainstream education services. The location of individual special schools is generally determined by the level of demand for such a service in a particular area.

In addition to the special schools referred to above, a range of special classes are provided in the areas to which the Deputy refers. These special classes cater for a variety of special needs and each class enjoys the same preferential pupil-teacher ratio and special funding levels as apply to special schools for children with similar disabilities. My Department is prepared to give positive consideration to the establishment of additional special needs facilities where the need for such facilities has been properly established.