Vol. 498 No. 1
381 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received a psychologist's report in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who attends Clonmellon national school, County Westmeath, which recommends the allocation of a classroom assistant or some specialist resource teaching for her; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26614/98]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and can confirm that a psychological assessment has been received in respect of the child in question.
I recently announced a major 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 level and nature of the response in each case will depend on the assessed needs of the child or group of children involved. The response may take the form of full or part-time special teaching or child care support, depending on the number of children involved and the nature of their needs.
