Vol. 524 No. 2
423 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 29 June 2000, he will state the outcome of the investigation into the application on behalf of pupils with special needs; if he will ensure that the services are in place for future years in view of the fact that it is now too late for summer 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22132/00]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers.
My Department grant aids schools to extend the employment of teachers and special needs assistants through the month of July to cater for children with severe or profound general learning disabilities. However, I understand that the application to which the Deputy refers was only received in my Department in late June 2000 and that it did not prove possible to arrange July coverage in the year 2000 within the time available.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is fully prepared to fund such an extension at the school in question for future years and I have asked my Department to contact the school authorities with a view to securing their agreement to such an arrangement.
