Finian McGrath
Question:49 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the support available to a person (details supplied). [7115/12]
View answerWednesday, 8 February 2012
Questions (49, 50, 51)
Finian McGrath
Question:72 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a matter in respect of a person (details supplied). [7114/12]
View answer
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:73 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to meet the urgent welfare and educational needs of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [7133/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 72 and 73 together.
Details of the person to whom the Deputy refers have been brought to the attention of officials in my Department who are liaising with the appropriate state agencies in this regard. The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children.
It is open to parents to contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. The Deputy will also be aware that the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB), established under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, is charged with ensuring that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving.
While responsibility for the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has transferred to my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the two Departments are working together to ensure that the services in the NEWB, including the School Completion Programme, Home School Community Liaison and the Education Welfare Service have a renewed focus to more effectively target and support all children at risk.