I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The school in question has sanction from my Department for a special class for pupils with a specific speech and language disorder. Such special classes operate at a pupil teacher ratio of 7:1 and have the service of a full-time speech therapist. The health authorities, through the relevant health board, have responsibility for delivering the speech therapy services in these cases.
My Department originally sanctioned a teaching post for the special class in question in December, 1982 and the post has remained in place since that time. However, I understand that the speech therapist, employed by the Eastern Health Board to cater for the children attending the special class, left the school in April 1999 to take up employment elsewhere. I also understand that the vacant speech therapist post has not been filled to date.
I have referred this matter to my colleague the Minister for Health and Children for his attention. I have also asked my officials to carry out a review of the general situation concerning the provision of speech therapy services in special schools and special classes in consultation with the Department of Health and Children. My objective is to ensure that the system is in a position to respond in a positive and efficient manner to the needs of the children in question. The needs of the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in the context of this review.
