Vol. 497 No. 7
178 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to ensure that a resource teacher back up service will be provided to all children with a special need in junior and senior infants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26187/98]
181 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a resource teacher for Stradbally national school, County Laois. [26190/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 181 together.
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. The response may take the form of full or part-time special support teaching depending on the number of children involved and the nature of their needs.
My Department is currently considering all applications, including the application from Stradbally national school, for special support teaching in the context of these new arrangements. I expect that allocations of special support teaching will commence in the near future and continue through 1999.
179 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the proposals to allow children with a special need to be registered on two school registers, thereby allowing them to spend four days per week in the mainstream national school and one day per week in a special school and ensuring the provision of adequate recreational facilities for these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26188/98]
I am aware of the proposal referred to by the Deputy.
The Deputy will be aware that 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. The response may take the form of full or part-time special support teaching and-or child care support depending on the number of children involved and the nature of their needs.
In the context of these new arrangements, I have asked my officials to consider the proposal in detail.
Under the devolved grant scheme, my Department allocates funding to schools to improve facilities, including play areas. It is open to all boards of management to carry out improvements to play areas utilising funding provided under this scheme.
