Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 6

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

108 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in relation to Ballyowen Meadows Special School for children with autism and related disorders, the order of nuns which own the site at Stillorgan Road, County Dublin is seeking to sell the land in summer 1998; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of stability and routine for the pupils at this special school; the arrangements, if any, he has with the order concerned in relation to the use of retention of the site and premises for a school or schools; whether the order has offered the site for sale to the Department; the steps, if any, he will take to alleviate the serious concern of parents and professionals to ensure retention of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10868/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The Beechpark complex, to which the Deputy refers, currently includes three separate special school facilities incorporating educational and health care provision.

One of these schools, Mary Immaculate School, caters for children with severe hearing impairment. This school is due to close in June of this year due to a decline in enrolments. Suitable alternative educational placements have been arranged for the five pupils involved.

The two other schools within the complex, Ballyowen Meadows and Setanta Special Schools, cater for children with emotional disturbance or autism and have been operating at the Beechpark site since 1995 under an arrangement agreed with the order at that time.

Officials of my Department, the Department of Health and Children and the Eastern Health Board are in ongoing discussion with the order which owns the Beechpark complex, regarding rationalisation proposals which have been put forward by the order. The objective of all sides is to facilitate the continued delivery of education and health care services on the campus.