Phil Hogan
Question:252 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when classroom assistance and a laptop will be available for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17516/03]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
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. Additional information was sought which was submitted directly to the psychological service. The application is currently being reviewed by the psychological service in light of the additional information submitted. As soon as a final report has been received, my Department will notify County Kilkenny VEC of the decision.
My Department has also recently received an application for computer equipment from the school to be attended by the pupil in question. Following consideration of the application, my Department has approved a grant for the equipment. A letter conveying that decision will shortly issue to the school authorities.