Olivia Mitchell
Question:233 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans that are being put in place for the education of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [15213/01]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Enrolment in second level schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of individual schools and my Department does not interfere in such decisions. 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. A psychologist from the NEPS has been involved in this case. In order to progress this case further, a questionnaire has issued to the child's parents which will help identify his educational needs and provide my Department with their written permission to contact schools on behalf of the child.