Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

135 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding the application from Barnardos special needs services to the special education section and under the fund for the development of targeted educational responses to certain children at risk. [31972/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 145 together.

The application from Barnardos special needs services under the fund for the development of targeted educational responses to certain children at risk was among 113 applications received. As the Deputy may be aware, this fund is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Hanafin. Applicants including the one referred to by the Deputies will be advised of the decision in respect of their application shortly.

Seán Haughey

Question:

136 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the efforts his Department has made to date to ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who attends a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 receives a full education involving all school activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31973/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am most anxious that all children receive an education appropriate to their needs.

I recently sanctioned 22.5 hours per week special needs assistant support to the school in question to facilitate the enrolment of the child referred to by the Deputy. However, I understand from my officials that the child in question has now transferred to a special school.