Michael Ring
Ceist:331 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if urgent assessment will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who has special needs. [25405/98]
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Michael Ring
Ceist:332 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a request for classroom assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [25406/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 332 together.
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers.
My Department recently grant-aided the pur chase of a computer for the school in question to assist in meeting this child's needs.
I recently announced a major new initiative in the special education area under which all children assessed as having special educational needs will be entitled to an automatic response to those needs. The response may take the form of extra teacher support or child care support, or both, depending on the assessed needs of each child.
The school attended by this child has already made application to my Department for additional assistance in meeting the child's needs. This request is currently being considered in the context of the recent development in special needs provision. A response will issue as soon as possible.