Vol. 500 No. 2
50 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to allow dual enrolment for children with special educational needs, who are enrolled in mainstream primary schools, to attend a special school for one day a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3673/99]
I assure the Deputy I am anxious to support any reasonable measure which will facilitate children with special educational needs in gaining the maximum possible benefit from the education system. I 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 may have implications which will require careful consideration. All of these issues will be examined fully.
