Vol. 484 No. 1
115 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by St. Patrick's special school, Drumcondra, Dublin 9; the number of children waiting placement in St. Patrick's; the number of years on the waiting list in this regard; the likely impact or set back, if any, on the child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21636/97]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to St. Patrick's national school, Drumcondra. This is a mainstream national school to which there are three special classes attached. Two of the classes cater for children with speech and language disorders and the other class caters for children with mild mental handicap.
I understand that the school considered 14 applications for admission to the special classes for speech and language disorders, from which it selected four children for admission at the commencement of the current school year.
My Department is currently in discussion with the Eastern Health Board with a view to securing speech therapy services for a further class for children with speech and language disorders which it is proposed to establish on the north side of Dublin as soon as possible.
I am confident that the provision of this additional class will help to meet the level of demand in that particular area.
My Department will continue to keep the need for such classes under ongoing review and will establish further classes where an assessed need has been identified.
