Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2006

Tuesday, 13 June 2006

Questions (360)

Enda Kenny

Question:

391 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which parents whose special needs children are attending pre-schools throughout Dublin are to access primary schools in view of the fact that most of these primary schools have waiting lists for children with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22657/06]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

It is open to all parents to approach schools with a view to enrolling their children, including those with special educational needs. A specific function of the National Council for Special Education, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents/guardians and schools.

Contact with the relevant SENO can be made by contacting the NCSE, Mill Street, Trim, Co. Meath, telephone number [phone] or by accessing the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.