Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004
458 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been granted resource hours in view of the fact that the person was originally granted 2.5 hours and the fact that the person has been changed from a class of six to a class of 36; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26925/04]
View answerAn application for resource teaching support for the pupil referred to has been considered in my Department. The school authorities were informed in a letter dated 19 October 2004 that the pupil did not meet the criteria for specific speech and language disorder in the context of the supporting professional documentation submitted with the application. My officials will provide further clarification in writing to the family on the matter shortly. Meanwhile, my Department's inspectorate will liaise with the school in the context of the pupil's educational needs.
459 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is no special language class in Kildare with speech therapists and where most parents with children with speech difficulties bring their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26926/04]
View answerA board of management wishing to establish a special class for specific speech and language disorders should write to the special education section of my Department. The criteria for the establishment of special classes is outlined in Department Circular 9/99 which is available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
The provision of speech therapy support within specific speech and language disorder classes is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children.
