Vol. 495 No. 6
5 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the St. Francis Clinic, Temple Street, Dublin 1, had to turn away 90 per cent of the children referred to its diagnostic facility and that parents of children with special needs have no special pre-schools on Dublin's northside. [20907/98]
Responsibility for assessment services for children with special needs rests with the relevant health authority. The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to St. Francis Clinic, Temple Street, Dublin, has not previously been brought to the attention of the Minister for Education and Science. However, the Minister wants me to assure the Deputy he shares the Deputy's concern about the situation he portrayed. The Minister will arrange to have the matter investigated further as a matter of urgency.
With regard to the question of pre-school services for children with special needs, the Deputy will be aware that the Minister hosted a National Forum for Early Childhood Education earlier this year. His objective in holding the forum was to allow all groups with an interest in the area, including groups representing children with special needs, to put forward their views as to how best to co-ordinate and support the future development of services in this area. The question of pre-school provision for children with special needs received attention at the forum.
It is the Minister's intention to bring forward a White Paper on early childhood education. The views expressed at the forum will be taken into account in the preparation of that White Paper.
Will the Minister of State check his records because this matter was brought to the Minister's attention on a previous occasion. Is he aware that this year 90 per cent of children referred to this diagnostic clinic were turned away and in the past six years an average of 75 per cent of children referred to it were turned away? Does he accept there is a need to provide an additional diagnostic class on Dublin's northside?
If I gave the House incorrect information, I apologise, but I was specifically told this matter had not been brought to the attention of the Department previously. I take it the Deputy is referring to a one-teacher school where children are assessed.
I am referring to a special diagnostic class.
My information on this might differ from the Deputy's. I take it he is referring to the school with eight places currently. Four places became available in the school last year and there were 21 applicants for them. I am informed there are other schools not too far away which can accommodate some or all of those children. The Minister has undertaken to investigate this as a matter of urgency and I understand that investigation will take place right away. I will ask the Department to ensure the Deputy is contacted about the result of that investigation. I understand the school has not contacted the Department to request the provision of additional facilities.
I thank the Minister of State for undertaking an urgent investigation of this matter. I would like him to check some facts. There are no other diagnostic schools or pre-schools for children with special needs on the northside although there are six on the south side which have their own catchment areas. Does he agree there is a serious under-resourcing of facilities for children with special needs on the northside? Will he bring this to the attention of those in his Department who are conducting this review as a matter of urgency?
I will check the facts outlined by the Deputy. Regarding his specific request, I told him the Minister will arrange for this matter to be investigated as a matter of urgency and, if he is convinced of the need for further action in this regard and the need to increase the number of places by whatever means, I am sure such action will be undertaken. I will keep the Deputy fully informed of progress.
