Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

194 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that classes which have been established to provide education for children with special needs are frequently operating without an adequate standard of services from speech therapists and from occupational therapists; his views on whether it is unsatisfactory for schools to be reliant on a service from health boards which have other pressures in relation to the delivery of these services; if he will consider establishing a dedicated corps of therapists who would provide support in a context of educational development; and if he will make a statement in relation to services for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [27171/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

In an effort to address the current shortage of qualified therapists, the Department of Health and Children, which has responsibility for providing these services, commissioned Dr. Peter Bacon to report on current and future supply and demand conditions in the labour market for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. Dr. Bacon's report was received in July 2001. The report concluded that a major expansion in the number of therapy professionals was essential over the next fifteen years.

An inter-agency working group, comprising my Department, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Health and Children has been established to pursue issues raised in the report. The Higher Education Authority invited institutions to submit proposals for the expansion of existing courses and-or the introduction of new courses including graduate entry programs. The closing date for receipt of proposals was 31 October. I have asked my Department to investigate the position regarding the availability of services to the particular school mentioned by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy further in relation to this matter.

John Bruton

Question:

195 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the proper rate of payment for summer work with autistic children has not been made available to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and when it will be made. [27172/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the arrears payment referred to will issue to the person in question with her salary payment of 8 November 2001. I understand that the person in question has been notified in this regard.