Vol. 550 No. 2
549 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 459 of 19 February 2002, his Department is prepared to fund the education fees payable to the Steiner school, Gorey, County Wexford in respect of a person (details supplied) whose needs cannot be met within the State school system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7505/02]
Steiner schools are not currently recognised by my Department, as they do not satisfy my Department's requirements with regard to such matters as enrolment, accommodation, school curriculum and teacher qualifications. Consequently, my Department would not provide funding towards tuition fees. However, the Deputy will be aware that my Department approved the appointment of a special needs assistant to cater for the care needs of the pupil in question on 14 February 2002.
