Pat Carey
Question:801 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will identify and provide an appropriate school placement for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26420/01]
Written Answers. - School Placements.
I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate the case referred to by the Deputy with a view to ensuring a suitable placement as a matter of urgency.
I am most anxious to ensure that suitable educational placements are made available for all children and particularly children with special needs.
Pat Carey
Question:802 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will identify a post primary school placement for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [26421/01]
My Department is not aware of the child referred to by the Deputy.
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 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.
In order to progress this case further a questionnaire has issued to the child's guardian, which will help identify her educational needs and provide my Department with written permission to contact schools and the national educational psychological service on behalf of this child.