Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

John McGuinness

Question:

184 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow, who is suffering from ADHD and also hydrocephalous and whose educational needs are not being met by the State; his views on this case; his plans to provide educational access for this person having regard to the reports which already exist at Our Lady's Hospital in Dublin 12; the reason his Department has ignored the efforts of this person's parents to gain access to mainstream and specialist education for him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22417/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers.

My Department has sanctioned ten hours home tuition per week to meet the needs of the pupil in question, pending the putting in place of a more long-term arrangement for the child's education. It is hoped that the tuition service will be in place very shortly.

At the same time, my Department's inspectorate is making every effort to arrange a suitable school placement for this child.