Michael Noonan
Question:271 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a grant will be paid to the Junior Language Unit, Scoil Mháthair Dé in Limerick, in 1998 to purchase additional equipment. [13549/98]
Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.
The school to which the Deputy refers has two special classes catering for children with specific speech and language disorder.
The school received start-up grants when these classes were established and is also in receipt of enhanced capitation funding for the pupils enrolled in the special classes. The special capitation rates applicable are £384 per pupil under 12 years of age and £413 per pupil of 12 years or over. Capitation grants are paid on an annual basis.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that under the Schools IT 2000 initiative, the school in question has recently received an additional £1,500 plus £20 per special class pupil to facilitate the purchase of computer equipment.
If, notwithstanding the above allocations, the school continues to have additional equipment needs, it should draw the specific needs in question to my Department's attention so that the matter can be considered.