Finian McGrath
Question:98. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the services available in respect of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10105/14]
View answerThursday, 27 February 2014
Questions (98)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides for a continuum of special educational provision to be made available for children with special educational needs who are enrolled in school, so that regardless of the level of need of the child, educational provision can be made for them. My Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education. These supports may include an allocation of additional resource teaching support and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) care supports, which may be allocated to schools by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in respect of qualifying pupils. Parents can contact the NCSE for advise on supports which may be available.
In respect of children who cannot be accommodated in mainstream education, they may be enrolled in special classes or special schools where more intensive and supportive interventions are provided. The extent of supports required for any child in a particular class setting or school will depend on their disability categorisation and the extent of care needs that they may have. As such, schools have access to a full range of supports to facilitate the enrolment of pupils with special educational needs. The provision of health services for children with special educational needs, including initial assessments and therapeutic services, is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the Deputy may wish to direct queries in respect of these matters to that body.