Vol. 553 No. 2
266 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department's role and responsibility where a student is enrolled in a school which identifies that the student has a special learning need, and the school does not provide the student with the appropriate remedial education to meet their educational need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13019/02]
My Department provides a wide range of supports for children with assessed special needs. The principal teacher has overall responsibility for the school's learning-support programme and for the operation of services for children with special educational needs. The usual procedure for accessing support is for the school authority to apply for the required supports to the special education unit in my Department. Sanction of supports is given in the context of the application meeting the criteria in the particular circumstance and in the light of available resources.
267 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the refund of the cost of Johansen sound therapy treatment for those who experience learning difficulties arising from auditory discrimination problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13020/02]
268 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the refund of the cost of phonographix tuition for students with reading difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13021/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.
To date, my Department has not been involved in funding these specific services. However, if the Deputy has specific situations in mind, he may wish to arrange for details of the activities in these areas to be submitted to my Department.
269 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will, in exceptional circumstances, sanction the employment of home tutors, under the home tuition scheme, outside of the recognised school terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13022/02]
Home tuition is intended to provide compensatory instruction for pupils with a medical ailment that is likely to cause major disruption to their attendance at school on a continuing basis. Tuition is generally provided during recognised school terms. However, pupils attending special classes for children with severe or profound general learning disability or autistic spectrum disorders may also avail of home tuition during July if regular classes are not being provided in the school they usually attend.
