Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Questions (629, 630)

Seán Ryan

Question:

641 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Dublin was unable to provide places in their similar special language class for four children from different locations in Fingal and that a similar situation existed in 2005; if she will approve the appointment of a teacher and speech therapist for this purpose for September 2006 in view of the fact that the board of management of the school will look favourably on accommodating an extra class for the children who need this special education. [25521/06]

Seán Ryan

Question:

642 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve the extra resources for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin to give extra tuition to a child who was unable to secure access to the special language class in another school as that class is full. [25522/06]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 641 and 642 together.

As the Deputy is aware the National Council for Special Education is now operational. There are over 70 Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) employed by the Council since September 2004, who have been deployed on a nationwide basis, with at least one SENO being deployed in each county and who are a local point of contact for parents and schools.

The issue of an additional special class for speech and language disorder at the school was originally raised with my Department last year by a number of parents. I understand however, that the local SENO has not yet received a formal application from the school in question for the establishment of such a class. Once an application has been received, the SENO will consider the application and notify the school directly of the outcome.

The allocation of speech and language therapy services is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

My officials have been in contact with the local SENO in relation to the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The SENO will make direct contact with the school authorities regarding the pupil's special educational needs.