Special Educational Needs.

Tuesday, 19 October 2004

Questions (394)

John Deasy

Question:

535 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if a full-time classroom assistant will be appointed for and a computer designated for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in view of the recommendation put forward by a clinical psychologist with the South Eastern Health Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25347/04]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm that my Department received an application for special needs assistant support, SNA, for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. Additional information was submitted in support of the application and this is being considered. A decision on the application will be conveyed to the school as soon as this process has been completed.

Under present arrangements, my Department may provide funding to schools to meet the special equipment needs of pupils with disabilities for use of the equipment while attending primary and post-primary schools. Schools can apply through the special education section of my Department for this support. Supporting relevant documentation to be submitted with the application includes psychological assessment, occupational therapy and physiotherapy reports, as necessary. These reports should be made available to the inspectorate when considering the application.

My Department has no record of receiving an application from the school for a computer in respect of the pupil concerned.