Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
564. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the arrangements being made for the provision of education in the Gaeltacht for a child (details supplied) with severe speech and language difficulties that would include speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36344/18]
View answerAs the Deputy's question refers to the provision of education, I have contacted my colleagues at the Department of Education and Skills and they have informed me that parents of children with special needs who may need advice or are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) as soon as possible for information on available places. The local SENO contact details are available on www.ncse.ie.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) works in collaboration with the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency which is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child or can offer assistance where a child is out of school. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at: www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/.
Children who require speech and language therapy can access assessment and intervention through their local HSE primary care services or disability services. Parents can find out how to access the most appropriate service by calling their local HSE centre.
I hope that this information may be of assistance to you.
