Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
343 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when the application by a school (details supplied) for one to one tuition for a student will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11317/04]
View answerAn application for resource teaching support for the pupil in question was received and examined in my Department. The outcome was that the pupil did not meet the criteria for specific learning disability as outlined in the relevant Department circular. The school was informed of this decision in correspondence dated 29 April 2003.
344 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in opening the Saplings school for autistic children at Sancta Maria House, Rathfarnham; when it is expected to be opened; and the number of children that will be catered for. [11318/04]
View answerThere is no delay in processing the application for the provision of the facility to which the Deputy refers. The process is well advanced but not yet completed. As a result of investigations to date, my Department has concluded that, on a demographic basis, the provision of additional autism-specific provision in the south Dublin area is warranted and I am committed to developing such provision. The Saplings application is being examined in the context of that commitment. In addition, my Department has completed its examination of assessment reports for the individual children proposed for the facility. The results of this examination will be conveyed to the parents by the National Educational Psychological Service within the next few days. In addition, a member of my Department's technical staff has inspected the proposed accommodation at Sancta Maria House and a report is in preparation. My officials will be in further contact with the applicants as soon as this report is received and considered. My objective is to ensure the processing of this application is completed as quickly and as thoroughly as possible, to be able to provide early clarification of the outcome to the applicants.
345 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be offered a school place at the new unit to open at North Kildare Educate Together school, Celbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11319/04]
View answerThe enrolment of a pupil in a primary school is a matter for the school's board of management. In this regard, the parents of the child referred to by the Deputy may wish to make direct contact with the school. My Department is liaising with the school management with a view to the establishment of a special unit for children with autism at an early date.
