Vol. 519 No. 1
156 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending speech and language units operating under the aegis of his Department in the Cork region; the further number of children who had applied for attendance at such units and who have been assessed as in need of speech therapy but who could not be facilitated in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13184/00]
There are two special classes catering for pupils with specific speech and language disorder in Scoil Mhuire na nGrás national school, Greenmount, Cork. Each class caters for seven pupils and has the service of a speech therapist.
I am aware that a number of children in the Cork area have been identified as being suitable for enrolment in a special class for specific speech and language disorder.
My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the establishment of such a special class in north Cork.
Such special classes are established where a need has been identified and supported by up-to-date psychological and speech therapy reports in respect of the children in question.
