Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

208 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make arrangements with the principals of primary schools that they collect an information bank for parents of children with special needs who attend their schools who are looking for second level options in order that parents could be guided towards schools which have facilities and programmes on offer best suited to the needs of their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22979/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

Principals of primary schools are generally well informed in respect of the services available in post primary schools in their area, including services for the support of children with special educational needs.

As a result of their experience in dealing with particular special needs children in their schools, primary school principals will also be in a position to advise parents of the children's likely needs within the second level system and the most suitable options available to meet these needs.

Parents of special needs children who are approaching transfer to the second level system are advised to investigate their options at the earliest possible date. In some situations, it may be necessary for my Department to make special resources available to the second level school in question to meet the child's needs. Every effort is made to meet such situations on a timely basis and in a manner which addresses the particular needs of the individual child.