Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 6

Written Answers. - Special Needs Children.

Mary Flaherty

Ceist:

150 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Education whether there are approximately 18 cases, similar to the O'Donoghue case which concerns the rights of people with disabilities to an education, awaiting a hearing; and if she will make a statement on the Government's approaches to meet the needs identified by these cases. [18000/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The information currently available to my Department suggests that there are in the region of 18 cases which have either come before the courts or may do so in the future in relation to special needs children. However, only a small number of these cases could be described as having any similarity to the O'Donoghue case.

By their very nature, each of the cases in question presents difficult issues which are unique to the particular child involved. In each case, it is necessary to have regard to the particular child's special needs, abilities and potential in seeking to put a satisfactory solution in place. In some cases, special educational arrangements on their own may ultimately provide the solution. In other cases, the nature of the problem is such that a multi-dimensional response is called for involving both my Department and the health authorities.

I assure the Deputy of my Department's and the Government's commitment to seek to resolve all these cases in a satisfactory manner and without necessitating recourse to litigation on the part of the families concerned. All the cases, of which my Department is currently aware, are the subject of urgent efforts to devise and put in place suitable solutions. Where appropriate, my Department is working with the relevant health authorities in addressing these matters. I can assure the Deputy that these efforts will continue on a priority basis until solutions have been found.