Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Jack Wall

Question:

365 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, despite the special education initiatives introduced for children with special needs, many children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder are still been refused placement in their local scheme and are being excluded for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14560/00]

Minister for Education and Science

(Dr. Woods): I would be seriously concerned if children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or any other special need, were being excluded from the education system. My Department provides a range of special support services to enable schools to cater for such children. In some cases, where the condition is not of a serious nature, the children are capable of being successfully taught within mainstream classes, with the support where necessary of the resource teacher service. Arising from a Government decision of October 1998 all children with special needs within the primary system, including children with ADHD, now have an automatic entitlement to the supports they require to enable them to gain maximum benefit from the education system.

Where more pronounced forms of condition in question arise, the children have access to a range of special schools and special classes attached to ordinary schools. All such facilities operate at reduced pupil teacher ratios and attract extra funding allocations. The national education psychological service also plays a role with regard to assessment of children and devising educational responses for pupils exhibiting persistent and maladaptive levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

If the Deputy is aware of particular children who have been refused entry to the education system, he may wish to provide me with details so that I can have the matter investigated.