Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 1

Written Answers. - Psychological Service.

Damien English

Question:

200 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will provide a resource teacher to Balreask Montessori School, Navan, County Meath in view of the fact that four children (details supplied) attending the school have had professional psychological assessments and the results of these assessments indicate that a resource teacher is required; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in one of the assessments it had been recommended by a clinical psychologist at the North-Eastern Health Board that to move the child to another school to access a resource teacher would have a negative impact on their progress and that the school, even though it is private, did receive a special needs assistant from the special education section in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10140/03]

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

I wish to advise the Deputy that the automatic package of resources for children with special educational needs applies only to recognised national schools. Exceptions may be made in situations where the placement of a child in a private school is necessary because the needs of the child cannot be adequately met in a recognised national school in the area.

There is provision for children with special educational needs in national schools in the area referred to by the Deputy.