Austin Deasy
Question:427 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to ensure that children with special educational needs are identified at the earliest possible age in view of the number of such cases. [22162/00]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
As Minister for Education and Science, I fully recognise the importance of early identification and intervention in the case of children with special needs. The Deputy will be aware that the White Paper on Early Childhood Education attached particular importance to the issue of early educational intervention where children with special needs are concerned.
In September 1999 my Department established the national educational psychological service – NEPS. The aim of this service is to assist all students to develop to their potential and to maximise the benefit of their educational and other experiences. This service has a particular focus on students with special educational needs.
In pursuing its objectives, NEPS is co-operating with the clinical services which identify pre-school children with special needs. It is also developing a training module for teachers to assist in the screening of children from infant classes. In addition, in co-operation with the National Disability Authority, NEPS is continuing to provide a psychological service for children with sensory and physical disabilities.