Vol. 493 No. 5
262 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the possibility of providing a special needs facility for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in his existing school in view of the inability of schools with these facilities to offer him a place; and if he will make a statement on the shortfall of suitable places in Dublin 24 for these pupils. [16775/98]
I am aware that application has been made to my Department for the placement of the child in question in a special class for children with specific speech and language disorder. No application has been made to my Department by the child's existing school for the establishment of a speech and language class in the school. However, I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate the special education needs of this child and how they might best be accommodated.
Special classes for children with specific speech and language disorders are established where a need has been identified and supported by up-to-date psychological and speech therapy reports in respect of the children in question. There are currently three special classes for specific speech and language disorder in the Dublin 24 area. Two of these classes are in St Marks junior national school, Springfield, Tallaght and one in Scoil Ard Mhuire, Belgard, Tallaght. My Department is currently investigating the establishment of a second class for children with a speech and language disorder in Scoil Ard Mhuire, Tallaght.
The establishment of such a class will require the availability of a speech therapy service from the Eastern Health Board. However, I understand that the health board is not in a position to provide a speech therapy service at present. My Department is in ongoing contact with the health board in relation to this matter.
