Vol. 490 No. 7
269 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to improve the degree of co-operation between his Department and the Department of Health and Children in regard to meeting the care and educational needs for those children with special requirements, in view of the extent of the concern of parents and friends of young people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11318/98]
The importance of co-operation in the delivery of education and care services for children with special needs was one of the issues identified by the special education review committee which reported in 1993.
In line with recommendations of the special committee, an interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on services for young people with special educational needs was established in 1995. The terms of reference of the committee are: to identify existing and anticipated areas of service delivery where improved or modified approaches or structures are required; in respect of each area identified, to bring forward recommendations for future approaches, specifying in each case the respective roles and responsibilities of the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children and their agents; to make such further recommendations as are considered necessary or desirable for the achievement of a more effective and efficient delivery of services to special needs children; to co-ordinate policy and monitor service delivery on an ongoing basis.
This committee, which is chaired by an official of my Department, is comprised of a core membership of administrative and professional staff from my Department and the Department of Health and Children. Membership of the committee is supplemented where necessary to address particular issues.
I am satisfied that the work of this committee, coupled with the ongoing co-operation which takes place at various levels between education and care service providers, will ensure that the best possible level of service is made available to the children in question.
However, if the Deputy has a particular situation in mind, he may wish to provide me with details so that I can have the matter investigated.
270 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he proposes to make available further assistance and facilities at the various special schools in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11319/98]
All special schools, including those in County Kildare, receive special staffing and funding allocations which reflect the particular special needs being addressed.
