Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Mar 1997

Vol. 477 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

149 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education the reason her reply to Question No. 112 of 12 March 1997 by Deputy Liam Aylward did not outline the reason for the refusal of the appeal by the school principal in the case (details supplied) in view of the fact that these children were never interviewed by the investigator who visited their school in June 1996, when a number of other children were assessed on that date; and if she will now outline the way in which, without this assessment, her Department can refuse the request by their school for special arrangements while sitting their junior certificate examinations. [8520/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The question raised by the Deputy was addressed in my reply on 12 March. I explained that a recent psychological report, where available, is requested by my Department as part of the application process for special arrangements based on the existence of a specific difficulty. I also explained that, since a detailed report from a clinical psychologist was submitted in support of each application, in relation to assessments carried out in January 1995, it was decided that there was no need to carry out a further assessment. If the Deputy requires any further clarification on this matter my Department's examinations branch will be happy to supply this.