Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 12 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 2

Written Answers. - Attention Deficit Disorder.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

74 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has considered the establishment of an evaluation/assessment centre for hyperactivity-attention deficit disorder and the establishment of designated schools where specialised teachers can provide a coherent approach to the needs of these children. [3664/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Attention deficit disorder is characterised by pupils exhibiting persistent and maladaptive levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

The question of evaluation-assessment services for such children was one of a range of issues raised at a recent meeting I had with the mid-west support group representing parents of children with attention deficit disorder. As I explained at the meeting, responsibility for evaluation-assessment services rests with the relevant health authorities. I have, therefore, undertaken to raise this matter with my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children.

The management of pupils' behaviour is a part of all teacher training. Special additional in-service training is available for groups of teachers dealing with children with particular difficulties, including children displaying the characteristics mentioned above.

Children with less severe forms of this condition are capable of functioning successfully in integrated settings, with the help, if necessary, of resource teachers. A total of 78 such teachers are currently in place in the primary system. For children with more serious forms of troubled behaviour, a range of special schools dealing with emotional or behavioural disorders is available.

I am currently reviewing provisions across the special needs area to ensure that all available resources are deployed to maximum effect. I assure the Deputy that the concerns he raises will form part of this consideration.