Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 2

Written Answers. - Access to Education.

Liam Burke

Ceist:

77 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science whether the right of children with a disability to a properly resourced education system requires the introduction of regulations guaranteeing conditions of access for children with disabilities in all primary, secondary and third level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21723/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Where special needs children are concerned, the nature and severity of the disability is the key factor in determining the educational response. In some cases, special needs children are capable of being accommodated in ordinary primary or second level schools, with the help, if necessary, of remedial teachers, resource teachers or visiting teachers.

In cases involving more serious disabilities, placement in a special school or special class attached to an ordinary first or second level school may be the most appropriate response.

While, in practice, schools and other educational institutions already take their duties with regard to students with a disability very seriously and the State provides substantial public resources for that purpose, I believe that it is appropriate that the right of students with disabilities to equality of access to education be supported by legislation and regulation.

I intend to publish an Education Bill before the end of the year which, among other things, will seek to underpin equality of access to education in our first and second level schools. The Bill will make particular provision for students with special educational needs. The Minister for Education and Science will be given the power to make regulations in respect of this and other aspects of the operation of the Bill when enacted.

At third level, universities have statutory duties in respect of equality of access for people with disabilities. The Universities Act, 1997, imposes a requirement on the universities to develop equality policies and to implement those policies. The Higher Education Authority is given a role in reviewing this aspect of the universities' activities.

The issue of access to education for people with disabilities will also be addressed in legislation relating to equal status which will be published next year by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.