Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2005
499 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the funds her Department provided to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary each year since 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5012/05]
View answerI can confirm that my Department provided approximately €11,000 for special needs assistants to the facility in question during the school year 2003-4.
500 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is waiting on permanent full-time pay since September 2004; when the outstanding money will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5013/05]
View answerThe school in question has been sanctioned part-time special needs assistant, SNA, support for a specific pupil. I understand that the SNA referred to by the Deputy is providing this support. The person in question is being remunerated at the appropriate rate for the level of support sanctioned.
My Department has received an application from the school to have this support upgraded from part-time to full time. The Deputy may be aware that a review of SNA provision in primary schools commenced in September 2004 and is continuing. The review is concerned with the level and deployment of SNA posts in mainstream classes. The intention is to ensure that the level of approved SNA support in schools and the manner in which that support is being allocated are such as to ensure that the special care needs of pupils are being appropriately met. Decisions regarding the appropriate level of SNA support for the pupil in question in the school concerned will be based on the outcome of this review and a decision will issue to the school as quickly as possible.
501 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [5054/05]
View answerI am anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs. I have asked my officials to liaise with the parent concerned with a view to discussing the educational options available.
