Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2013

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Questions (91)

Clare Daly

Question:

91. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 297 of 11 June 2013 and the July provision scheme, the criteria by which parents can support an application for extenuating circumstances, in order to receive individual tuition, with particular reference to the fact that parents had been told that a letter from the school explaining the way this joint tuition was not suitable, would be acceptable and subsequent to that were told that they had to get a letter from a psychologist which is impractical within the time frame of the allocation and the appeal mechanism in view of the waiting lists for psychologists. [29837/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the education provision for each child with autism is unique, in recognition of their different needs, my Department recognises that may be differing circumstances which will need to be taken into account in granting an appeal in respect of July Provision applications.While a professional report from a psychologist would be of assistance in considering applications for separate provision my Department recognises the impracticality of this for many parents in view of time constraints and consequently has indicated that in the absence of such a report a letter from the school detailing the existing arrangements currently in place for siblings explaining why they cannot be tutored together in the home will be acceptable.You will be aware that the age or ability of siblings is reflected in their education level as determined by education and health professionals. In general where a child is receiving their education in a class setting with other children of mixed age and ability, this should carry through to their July Provision.