Vol. 537 No. 5
576 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is concerned at the incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and the difficulties being experienced by parents and teachers of such children due to the potentially dangerous threat that they present; if he will have it treated as a matter of top priority. [16945/01]
I am aware of the reported incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the difficulties which this condition can present for parents and teachers of such children. I can assure the Deputy that I am most anxious to ensure that all necessary support services are made available to the children in question.
Some such children can be capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of the resource teacher and special needs assistant services. In October 1998 the Government decided that all children with special needs in primary schools, including children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, should have an automatic entitlement to a response to their needs. As a result of this decision the number of resource teachers supporting special needs children in primary schools has been increased from 104 to more than 950. The number of special needs assistants supporting such children has been increased from less than 300 to more than 2000 over the same period. My Department is continuing to allocate these resources in response to identified needs.
Where the level of the disorder is of a more serious nature, provision is made by way of special schools or special classes attached to ordinary schools. All such facilities operate at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 and special needs assistant support is provided where required.
It is my intention to continue to build on these developments so as to ensure that all children, including children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, receive the support they require.
