Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

182 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to agree to the request of parents that the proposed new class or classes which are being established for the education needs of children with a severe learning disability in the Cloonamahon Centre for the handicapped, Collooney, County Sligo be based as an outreach from Ballinacarrow national school; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Cloonamahon Centre is situated in a rural area in the catchment area of Ballinacarrow national school; and if he will sanction the new class or classes as an outreach from Ballinacarrow national school. [2281/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

: I assure the Deputy that I am anxious that suitable educational arrangements be put in place for the children in question as soon as possible. My Department is actively pursuing this matter at present.

My Department has not received any formal application from the board of management of Ballinacarrow national school to establish the proposed special classes on an outreach basis. Indeed, I understand that the school has advised my Inspectorate that it no longer wishes to be considered for such classes.

My Department will continue its efforts to put arrangements in place to meet the educational needs of the children in question.