Vol. 537 No. 5
566 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a submission from a group of parents in the Kilnamanagh area, Dublin 24, in connection with a request for funding to establish a pilot programme for neuro developmental therapy for children with special needs; the likely timeframe involved before a decision is taken by him on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16845/01]
I am aware of the submission to which the Deputy refers.
The proposal in question has been the subject of discussion between my Department's inspectorate and representatives of the Little by Little Group which is seeking funding for a pilot programme for neuro developmental therapy.
The role of neuro developmental therapy as an intervention in support of children with learning difficulties is one of the matters which has been considered by the Task Force on Dyslexia. I expect to receive the report of the task force before the end of this month. The question of whether funding will be made available for neuro developmental therapy programmes will be considered following receipt of the task force report and in the light of the recommendations of the task force in relation to such programmes.
