Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Pat Carey

Question:

243 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the future of the DEC section of St. Vincent de Paul School, Navan Road, Dublin 7 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12995/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no proposals for the transfer of responsibility for care and education of children and young people with severe to profound intellectual disability from the Department of Health and Children to the Department of Education and Science. My Department and the Department of Health and Children have dual responsibility for the provision of education and care needs for pupils with severe-profound general learning disability.

Due to the limitations of the existing accommodation in the developmental education centre in St. Vincent's Special School, Navan Road, my Department is funding the provision of an extension to the school building. While the children in question will move from the existing developmental education centre, my Department understands from the authorities in the Daughters of Charity Services, that all necessary medical, nurs ing, multi-disciplinary and family support services currently provided by the Daughters of Charity Services, will continue to be provided in the new setting.