Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

172 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a request from a primary school (details supplied) in County Dublin for the creation of a full-time post of a special needs assistant to care for Down's syndrome children enrolled in the school; if so, the consideration, if any, he has given to the request; and if he will respond favourably to the school. [6450/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

In October, 1999 my Department sanctioned an allocation of 22.5 hours per week child care assistant support for the school in question. This allocation was made to enable the school to cater for a number of special need pupils whose needs had been notified to my Department.

I understand that my Department has no record of an application from the school in question seeking an increase in this allocation to a full-time post.