Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Enda Kenny

Question:

140 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the decision which has been made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding their being allowed to continue education for another year in a special school; if he has received correspondence from the Western Care Association following his Department having contacted it with a view to arranging appropriate provision with effect from September 2003 in order to have this person continue for another year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19197/03]

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

Special schools and special classes funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from four years of age until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th birthday. The Department of Health and Children has direct responsibility for provision for young adults with special needs over 18 years of age. My Department provides funding towards the appropriate education component of such provision. My Department wrote to the parents of the person referred to by the Deputy last March and clarified the position as outlined above. My Department has also written to the school authorities and the Western Care Association clarifying the position. I can confirm that my Department has not received any correspondence from Western Care Association regarding this matter.