Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

751 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if the additional resources he is making available towards providing places for pupils with special needs seeking second level education; if parents of children at schools, including St. Declan's school, Northumberland Road, Dublin, can look forward to provision at second level by his Department for the type of child catered for at this much valued primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21889/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The school to which the Deputy refers is a special school for children who are emotionally disturbed. Children normally attend this school for a two year period, following which they transfer to the mainstream school system.

Where such children are of second level age, my Department provides a range of supports at second level to cater for students. The supports in question include remedial and resource teacher allocations together with additional concessionary hours. Funding may also be provided for the purchase of specialised equipment to assist such students with their education.