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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

292 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to provide an education for a 13 year old person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has not been able to attend any school since December 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21580/00]

I am aware of the details of this case.

Enrolment in second level schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of individual schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second level places in an area. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

The national educational psychological service is available to all post- primary schools recognised by my Department. NEPS can advise on the management of any difficulties that pupils might experience and which may present problems in a school setting. Where appropriate it can also advise on any educational supports which might be required to ensure that a pupil's time in school is as productive and positive as possible.

In order to progress this case further, a questionnaire issued to the child's mother in May 2000, which will help identify his educational needs and provide my Department with her written permission to contact schools and the NEPS on behalf of her child. To date, the completed questionnaire has not been received in the post-primary administration section of my Department.

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