Vol. 537 No. 2
394 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation of a person (details supplied) at Greenmount national school, County Cork, regarding enrolment for the next school year; the number of pupils awaiting enrolment at the special class in this school; the proposals he has to provide this service at other primary schools in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15671/01]
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. I understand that the child in question has been assessed as suitable for admission to one of the special classes for pupils with specific speech and language disorder at Greenmount national school. However, I understand that the number of places becoming available in these classes and in a further similar class at Glounthane national school are not sufficient to accommodate current demand and will be unable to accommodate the child in question in September next.
I understand that approximately 15 children from the area, including the child in question, have been identified as requiring placement in special classes for specific speech and language disorder. I have asked my Department's inspectorate to urgently pursue the establishment of additional special classes so that the needs of these children can be accommodated at the earliest possible date. In the meantime, arrangements will be made to provide resource teacher support to the child in question and my Department will bring his speech and language needs to the attention of the relevant health authority.
