Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

446 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has made any provision towards the cost of a teacher (details supplied) for the Cavan and Monaghan Association for the Parents of Down's Syndrome Children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27684/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the application referred to by the Deputy. I have no plans to provide funding for the association referred to by the Deputy.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I recently announced a major new initiative in the special education area under which all children assessed as having special education 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 the 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 the needs.

My Department will consider applications from schools seeking a support teaching service in the context of these new arrangements. The schools concerned should ensure that the school inspector has full information concerning the special educational needs of pupils with a disability, including children with Down's syndrome.