Phil Hogan
Question:444 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) will be able to avail of second level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13623/01]
Written Answers - School Placement.
My Department is aware of the details of this case. Enrolment in second level schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of individual schools and my Department does not interfere in decisions made by schools in such matters. 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 the 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 has issued to the child's mother which will help identify his educational needs and provide my Department with her written permission to contact schools and the national educational psychological service on behalf of her child. The advice of a psychologist from the NEPS is also being sought in this case, and every effort is being made to find a suitable school placement. As an interim measure, and until a suitable school placement has been found, eight hours per week home tuition has been sanctioned for this pupil.