Vol. 567 No. 2
207 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the initiatives his Department affords to students who have been offered placements in specialist schools outside of Ireland but whose parents cannot afford to pay for their full-time care in the school; if there is grant assistance available or other revenue incentives for the parents of special needs children who cannot obtain the care they need here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13873/03]
The placement of children with special educational needs in schools outside of Ireland is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Education and Science. Where there is an involvement by the health services with such children, decisions in these cases are a matter for the relevant health board, in consultation with the Department of Education and Science. However, the priority for the health services has been and continues to be the development of the broad range of supports, in line with best national and international practice, required by children with disabilities, thus facilitating access to these services within the State.
Question No. 208 answered with Question No. 204.
