John Ellis
Question:122 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will provide a care assistant for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [28714/03]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
I confirm that my Department received an application for special educational needs supports for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. Applications for special educational needs supports received between 14 February 2003 and 31 August 2003 are being examined on the basis of the supporting professional report or reports and in the context of resources already available at the school. The process involves an examination of each application and supporting documentation by a dedicated team of inspectors and psychologists. The schools concerned will be informed of the outcome as early as possible in the current school year.
In the case of the school in question, the supporting documentation required to enable the application to be processed has not yet been submitted by the school. A circular letter, 24/03, issued to all schools in September 2003 seeking this documentation in support of applications for special educational needs' supports. My officials also requested the documentation in a telephone call with the school principal in recent days. The application will be considered if the documentation is submitted immediately.