Vol. 473 No. 5
109 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has regarding education integration in view of the aims and objectives of Parents for Integration, representing children with disability and promoting mainstream schooling for them; her views on the resolution of the Council of Ministers for Education of 31 May 1990; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23053/96]
A fundamental principle outlined in the White Paper, Charting our Education Future, and encompassed in the Education Bill, 1997 is that all students, regardless of their personal circumstances, have a right of access to and participation in the education system, according to their potential and ability. Following their establishment, the education boards will co-ordinate educational provision for children with special needs in their regions.
The objective is to ensure, to the maximum possible extent, that all children with special educational needs will have access to suitably resourced education services in their own areas and within the ordinary school system. The degree to which integration can be achieved will depend on the specific and evolving capacities of each individual child.
In many cases, children with special needs can be catered for in the ordinary school setting with the help, if necessary, of remedial teachers, resource teachers or visiting teachers. Since my appointment as Minister for Education I have targeted increased resources in all of these areas.
Where more serious disabilities are involved, children can be placed in a special class or a special school. Each such facility is dedicated to meeting the needs of particular groups and has a special reduced pupil teacher ratio and special rates of capitation funding.
I am satisfied that the measures which I have outlined provide practical confirmation of my commitment to the provision of suitable education services for all pupils with special needs and to the objectives of the resolution to which the Deputy refers.
