Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

345 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department is unable or unwilling to provide a full-time assistant to St. Bridget's vocational school, Loughrea, County Galway, where a person (details supplied) in County Galway needs the services of a full-time special needs assistant; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person is only entitled to one hour per day resource teaching and two hours per day special needs; if his attention has further been drawn to the risks that have to be taken in the circumstances in the interests of health and safety in the school; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that other schools in the region have the services of a special needs assistant for similar duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15496/03]

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

My Department allocates resource posts, special needs assistant posts and concessionary teaching hours to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for pupils with special needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil in question and the nature and level of the support provided is based on the advice of the National Educational Psychological Service.

My Department has received an application for additional support in respect of the pupil in question. The application is currently being reviewed by the service. As soon as a final report has been received, my Department will notify County Galway VEC of the decision.