Vol. 576 No. 2
145 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the maximum support and assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who was diagnosed and assessed as dyslexic; if this person will receive back-up teaching service; and if this will be made a priority case. [29381/03]
My Department has not received an application for special educational needs, SEN, supports in respect of the pupil in question. However, the pupil's mother has been in contact with the special education section of my Department in recent days. The parent has been advised that applications for SEN supports received between 14 February 2003 and 31 August 2003 are being examined at present on the basis of the supporting professional report(s) 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.
Applications for SEN supports received after 1 September 2003 will be considered as soon as the applications mentioned above have been processed. I understand that this pupil currently avails of the learning support teaching service in the school he attends. Also, a recent circular – SP ED 24/03 – issued to schools outlining ways that schools may use resources already allocated in a more flexible way. Officials from the special education section of my Department are liaising with the school in this regard.
