Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 2

Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

381 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents of children with Down's Syndrome in County Donegal have to pay a teacher to educate their children; if so, the action, if any, he proposes to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24443/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the situation to which the Deputy refers.

I recently announced a major new initiative in the special education area under which all children assessed as having special educational needs will be entitled to an automatic response to those needs. The level and nature of the response in each case will depend on the assessed needs of the child or group of children involved.

My Department is currently considering all applications for special educational support in the context of this new development in special needs provision. I can assure the Deputy that the needs of children with Down's Syndrome in County Donegal will be considered in this context. The Deputy will appreciate that children with Down's Syndrome will be particular beneficiaries of the initiative.