Vol. 497 No. 6
54 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will designate an officer to collect and receive information in respect of children with special education needs; and if he will monitor the number of those awaiting assessment and an appropriate service. [25896/98]
I am aware of the current lack of adequate up-to-date data on children with special education needs within the education system. I am very anxious that this matter should be addressed as speedily as possible.
In the context of my recent announcement of significant new developments in special education services, I have requested my Department to examine the introduction of mechanisms to ensure the early identification of the children in question, their locations and the range of special needs involved. A certain number of children with special educational needs will require referral for individual assessment by a psychologist. While there are some studies and estimates available on the nature and prevalence of children with such needs, there are no large scale data available in relation to some disability categories.
I recently launched the report of the planning group for the national educational psychological service. It is envisaged that implementation of this report, which I fully endorse, will commence in 1999. One of the recommendations in the report is that the national educational psychological service will be readily available to all students but will give priority to those with special educational needs.
One of the first tasks of the new service will be to liaise with all the agencies which provide psychological services to children in order to identify needs in the special education area and to collaborate in the development of comprehensive assessment services.
