Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Michael Ring

Question:

277 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the meaning of a summary document in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 18 November 2003 for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the difference in the report submitted for this person; and if he will investigate this matter. [30008/03]

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

A summary document in the context of special educational needs, SEN, is a document completed by the relevant professional which summarises the outcome of a full professional assessment or report. The purpose of the report is to assist the school authorities in making an application for SEN supports. However, this document is not sufficient to enable an application to be reviewed and processed by the Department's professional staff. My Department has since received a full professional report in support of the application already made for SEN supports for the pupil in question.

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 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 application referred to by the Deputy is being considered by the dedicated team and the school concerned will be informed of the outcome as early as possible in the current school year.