Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

702 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the promised additional special needs tuition for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W has not been provided; when it will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8463/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department allocates resource posts, special needs assistant posts and concessionary teaching hours to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for special needs pupils. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each case is considered on its merits and determined on the advice of the psychological service.

My Department recently approved the allocation of an additional three teaching hours per week to County Dublin VEC to cater for the educational needs of the pupil in question. The school authorities are currently endeavouring to secure a teacher to provide the additional support for the pupil.