Olwyn Enright
Question:83 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when the remaining members of the Special Needs Council will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13254/03]
Written Answers. - Special Needs Council.
Olwyn Enright
Question:84 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when the promised 70 special needs organisers will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13255/03]
Olwyn Enright
Question:86 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria he has laid down for appointment of people to the Special Needs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13257/03]
Olwyn Enright
Question:87 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of the persons appointed to the Special Needs Council to date; the experience of each in the special needs area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13258/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 84, 86 and 87 together.
I will seek resolutions of approval from both Houses of the Oireachtas to a draft proposed order to establish a National Council for Special Education within the next few weeks. I propose to make the order under Section 54 of the Education Act 1998 and this requires prior resolutions of approval from each of the Houses. All appointments to membership of the National Council for Special Education will take place after the order is made. I will seek to ensure that each member of the council has expertise and experience in the area of service delivery to people with special needs.
The proposed draft order also requires that I consult the national associations of parents, recognised trade unions and staff associations representing teachers and principals of schools and recognised school management associations prior to appointing members of the council and that I should make two appointments to the council from among persons nominated by the National Disability Authority. The process of recruiting special needs organisers will commence shortly after the establishment of the council. The preparatory arrangements for the recruitment process are at an advanced stage.