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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Paul McGrath

Question:

290 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the speech therapy facilities, educational psychologists, recommendations and reports, child care assistants and special educational equipment are available to a teacher of a class of children with autism at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will take urgent action to ensure that such additional help is supplied by his Department so each child in the class reaches his potential. [21540/00]

A special class for pupils with autism was established in the school referred to by the Deputy in September, 1999.

Such classes operate at a pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1. I understand that there are currently five pupils with autism enrolled in the class. The class has the service of a teacher and a special needs assistant. My Department has also allocated a further special needs assistant to cater for the particular needs of one of the pupils attending the class.

Responsibility for providing therapeutic services, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, rests with the relevant health authority.

I understand that the school in question does not yet have the service of a psychologist from the national educational psychological service. The service is currently available to all second level schools and approximately one quarter of primary schools. The process of extending the service to all primary schools is continuing as additional psychologists are recruited. In the meantime, responsibility for assessment services in areas not covered by NEPS remains the responsibility of the relevant health authority.

I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate the special equipment needs of the special class referred to by the Deputy. Officials of my Department will be in contact with the school in this regard.

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