Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 5

Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

371 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department will contact a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny further to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 5 November 1998 in relation to an assessment for learning difficulties; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that contrary to his reply there was no local group available in Castlecomer at the time of his assessment to assist with his learning difficulties and no arrangement was made by the school to provide additional tuition; if he will assist the family to place the child in a worthwhile working environment following the promised assessment and vocational guidance; and if this case will be treated as urgent. [25753/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I can assure the Deputy that my Department will give high priority to the needs of the person mentioned. A member of the psychological service will contact him before the end of the current school term. Every effort will be made to provide, in liaison with other agencies, appropriate educational and vocational advice for him and his family.

With regard to the availability of a local group to provide assistance with learning difficulties, it is my understanding that there was such a group in Kilkenny at the time in question, although not in Castlecomer.