Vol. 489 No. 6
748 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will be in a position to sanction an extra speech and language class for Ard Mhuire National School, Tallaght, Dublin 24, in view of the waiting list that exists within the school for this service and the relevant information sent by the school to the Department in terms of psychological and speech therapy reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9162/98]
My Department is currently pursuing the possibility of establishing a second class for children with a speech and language disorder in the school referred to by the Deputy. The establishment of such a class will require the availability of a speech therapy service from the Eastern Health Board. My Department is in ongoing contact with the health board in relation to the provision of this service.
749 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to facilitate the reintegration of children with specific learning disabilities; if he will make dual enrolment available to these children; and if he will make a yearly allowance available to cover the expenses involved in block integration projects. [9163/98]
Under present arrangements at primary level, children assessed as having a specific learning disability may transfer to a special school or special class for a maximum period of two years. Such children should have completed second class in a primary school or be at least eight years of age at the commencement of the first year of transfer. On completion of their period in a special school or special class setting, the children are reintegrated into ordinary classes.
