Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 1

Written Answers. - Education of Children with Disabilities.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

26 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education, in view of the commitment in the White Paper to designate a number of ordinary primary schools as centres where children with particular disabilities may be educated, the criteria to which those schools will be selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10267/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

A number of ordinary primary schools will be designated by the education boards as centres where children with particular disabilities may be educated. The key criterion in selecting such schools will be the level of special needs in a particular area. In addition, designated schools will have to be centrally located in the regions they serve and have suitable facilities available to accommodate their role in dealing with children with disabilities.

Another important consideration in the selection process will be that all those involved in the school should be positively disposed towards catering for children with disabilities and willing to integrate these children with other children to the maximum possible extent. Finally, schools will have to be willing to work closely with other agencies providing support services for children with disabilities, including psychologists, speech therapists, social workers and visiting teachers.

The fundamental objectives of the commitment in the White Paper to which the Deputy refers is to ensure to the maximum possible extent that all children with disabilities will have access to suitably resourced education services in their own area and within the ordinary school system. There will always be cases where the severity of a child's disability is such that placement in a special school may be the preferred option. However, I am most anxious that, wherever possible, children with disabilities should have the opportunity of sharing their school experience with their peers through participation in the ordinary school system.