Vol. 500 No. 4
354 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, his Department has taken to provide appropriate schooling to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 since the issue was first raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3984/99]
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy since the summer of 1998 when the child in question sought a second-level placement. The selection and enrolment of pupils in second level schools is, in the first instance, the responsibility of individual schools. In exceptional circumstances, my Department provides assistance to parents who encounter difficulty in securing a school placement.
Information relevant to this child's education was requested from his family in June and was eventually received in October. My Department's psychological service has advised in relation to the boy's education needs and has recommended that a clinical assessment be carried out in the case. This recommendation has been communicated to the family. Schools are being contacted with a view to having the boy placed in a suitable school in his locality. Home tuition is in place as an interim measure until an appropriate placement has been secured.
