Vol. 492 No. 4
361 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science when a second junior unit language class will be provided for a school (details supplied) in Limerick as there are a large number of eligible children who are deprived as a result of the lack of a second junior unit language class. [14395/98]
Special classes for children with specific speech and language disorders are established where a need has been identified and supported by up-to-date psychological and speech therapy reports in respect of the children in question.
My Department is currently investigating the establishment of 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 Mid-Western Health Board. However, I understand that the health board is not in a position to provide a speech therapy service at present. My Department is in ongoing contact with the health board in relation to this matter.
