Vol. 521 No. 4
285 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 50 children in Kildare have language disorders and require a language class; the schools he is considering for provision of such a service in Kildare; and if these plans include a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [17227/00]
292 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has for the introduction of classes for children with language disorders in schools in County Kildare from the commencement of the new school term in September 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17259/00]
293 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes that catered for children with language disorders that were held in schools in County Kildare in the last school term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17260/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 292 and 293 together.
There are no special classes at present in County Kildare for pupils with specific speech and language disorder. However, my Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the establishment of a special class in that area.
The school referred to by Deputy Bruton, has applied to my Department to establish a special class. The investigations of my Department's inspectorate should be finalised shortly and I expect that a suitable location for such a class will be identified.
The establishment of a special class will require the provision of a speech therapy service from the South Western Area Health Board.
