Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
252. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the necessary and appropriate education supports will be provided to a child with disabilities (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2797/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. In particular, its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level and arranges for the delivery of special educational services. The SENOs act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. 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. Furthermore the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which assists parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Health Service Executive is responsible for the provision of health supports, including therapies, to children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has confirmed to my Department that a placement in a special school is available for the child in question. The local SENO and Educational Welfare Officer continue to be available to liaise with the school, parents and other parties as appropriate in order to assist with the matter.
