Vol. 520 No. 1
375 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science when the report by his Department on Special Education Planning Group will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14989/00]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the planning group which was established in 1999 to consider and report on the range of special support services which should be put in place in a national centre for the visually impaired.
The work of this group is expected to be completed in the near future.
A decision regarding the publication of the report will be made when it has been received and considered in my Department.
376 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange for a Department official to call a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to discuss the specific educational needs of her son. [14990/00]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The pupil in question is currently in receipt of special educational support in the form of home tuition and resource teacher and special needs assistant support in his local primary school. An application for computer equipment for the child in question is currently being considered in my Department.
Officials of my Department are in regular contact with the child's school regarding his ongoing educational needs.
I have requested my Department's inspectorate to contact the child's parents to discuss his educational needs.
