Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Joan Burton

Question:

239 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements his Department has made for special needs assistants for children with special needs starting primary school in September 2003; the number of applications received by his Department for such special needs; and when parents will be informed as to whether or not their children are to receive special needs resourcing in attending national school. [17416/03]

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

My Department receives applications from schools for special needs assistants and other special needs supports on a daily basis. There are currently in excess of 300 applications for such support for pupils due to start school in September 2003. These applications are being considered at present and a response will issue to the chairpersons of school boards of management as quickly as possible.