Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004
247 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special educational resource applications received by his Department since 31 August 2003; the number of these applications which have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7528/04]
View answerMy Department received applications in respect of 2,439 pupils for special educational resources in mainstream national schools since 31 August 2003. The arrangements for processing these applications will be considered in the context of the outcome of ongoing discussions with representative interests on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.
248 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when resource hours will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who has been diagnosed with dyspraxia with related learning difficulties following assessments with therapists and psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7531/04]
View answerMy Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy, including an application for the pupil in question. SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are under consideration. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received.
Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all of these cases were responded to before or soon after the commencement of the current school year. The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year or so. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision. The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools.
Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September, 2003. The circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003, including the application for the pupil in question, will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.
