Vol. 500 No. 1
405 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to implement dual enrolment for children with mental disability who are currently in mainstream education which would allow them to attend a special school for one or two days a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3279/99]
I can assure the Deputy that I am anxious to support any reasonable measure which will facilitate children with special education needs in gaining the maximum possible benefit from the education system. I fully appreciate the benefits which can accrue to some special needs children by being able to participate in a mainstream primary schools while at the same time having a degree of access to the more intensive support services available in the special school system.
I have requested my Department to examine the merits of the dual enrolment issue and how it might be facilitated in practice. The Deputy will appreciate that the introduction of such an arrangement would have potential resource and other implications which will require careful consideration. All of these issues will be examined.
