asked the Minister for Education the circumstances and conditions under which the special class for speech-disaffected children attached to St. Mary's national school, Belmont Avenue, Donnybrook was established; the conditions and regulations under which the school operates at present; if he will confirm that he, and his officials, are fully satisfied with the professional qualifications of the teacher assigned to this school; the future plans for this class; and, in particular, if a review of the activities and usefulness of the class will take place in the near future; the nature of this review; by whom it will be undertaken; if his Department has recommended to the Department of Health and to the Eastern Health Board that every effort should be made to provide a speech therapist for this class; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - St. Mary's School, Donnybrook.
A class for language and learning impaired children was established in September 1986 as a special class attached to a national school in Donnybrook. The arrangement is administratively identical to that for any special class attached to a national school. The class is situated on parish property and my Department makes a contribution towards the rent of this accommodation. Capitation grants are also paid in accordance with the payments made available to special schools for the deaf.
A teacher with specialised qualifications is teaching in the class; she is seconded from her original school. The enrolment in the class is restricted to 5 specific pupils who were assessed for enrolment prior to my Department recognising this class and one other named pupil who was enrolled since.
The teacher appointed to the class is a fully qualified national school teacher and accordingly meets with all the requirements of my Department regarding qualifications etc.
Inspectors of my Department have been involved with this class since its establishment. They will continue to monitor its operation and will review its progress at regular intevals.
My Department has been in communication with the Department of Health and the Eastern Health Board regarding the question of speech therapy services for the class.