Brian O'Shea
Question:235 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional facilities and supports he intends to provide for children with ADD-ADHD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10789/02]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Denis Naughten
Question:237 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his policy in providing educational support to children with ADHD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10791/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 237 together.
The special educational needs of children with attention deficit disorder, ADD, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, can be addressed in special dedicated schools, in special dedicated classes attached to ordinary schools, or on an integrated basis in ordinary schools with the support of the special resource teacher service. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each particular case are based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.
Many children suffering from attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of the resource teacher and-or special needs assistant services.
In October 1998, the Government decided that all children with special needs, including children suffering from the conditions to which the Deputy refers, should henceforth be entitled to an automatic response to their needs irrespective of their level of need or location. As a result of this development, since early 1999, the number of resource teachers supporting such children has been increased from 104 to more than 1,600 full-time equivalents. The number of special needs assistants has been increased from less than 300 to approximately 3,000, including both full-time and part-time posts, over the same period. Additional such resources are being deployed on an ongoing basis as further needs are identified.
Where the level of the disorder is of a more serious nature, provision is made by way of special schools or special classes attached to ordinary schools. All such facilities operate at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 and special needs assistant support is provided where required.
It is my intention to continue to build on these developments so as to ensure that all children, including children with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, receive the support they require.
Brian O'Shea
Question:236 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 21 March 2002, the locations of the additional 75 places for the training and education of speech and language therapists will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10790/02]
As the Deputy is aware, the Department of Health and Children commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions in the labour market for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. The report was launched in July 2001 and it concluded that a major expansion in the numbers of therapy professionals was essential over the next 15 years. In relation to speech and language therapy training places, the report recommends an annual increase of 75 training places over the previous level of 25 training places.
I have recently sanctioned an increase of 75 in the number of places for the education and training of such speech and language professionals so that those most in need will have access to the therapists who will help them get the education they deserve.
An inter-agency working group has been established comprising representatives of my Department, the Department of Health and Children and the Higher Education Authority to pursue the issues arising from 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 programmes for the three disciplines. The proposals received are currently being considered.
Question No. 237 answered with Question No. 235.