Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

John McGuinness

Question:

238 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to previous parliamentary questions, he will outline the progress that has been made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he has been assessed as autistic; if so, when the assessment was carried out; the steps being taken to offer the person a place in a school or provide for his educational needs in some other way; and if he will take immediate steps to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion. [18724/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy.

The pupil in question was assessed in December 1996 as having a severe degree of intellectual disability.

A place was made available in St. Patrick's special school, Kilkenny, on 3 April 2000 for the pupil. This special school caters for pupils with severe-profound learning disabilities. However this offer of placement was not taken up.

A place has now been made available for the pupil in this special school from September 2000.