Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:69 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children among the school going population suffering from learning disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7778/99]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Jack Wall
Ceist:79 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department's official definitions of learning disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7776/99]
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:87 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to establish a special review group for learning disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7777/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 79 and 87 together.
The Special Education Review Committee, which reported in 1993, carried out a comprehensive review of education services for all children with special needs. The report presented by that committee has been published. It provides a detailed description of each special needs category. In respect of each distinct group identified, the committee put forward detailed recommendations for the development of special education services. Since the publication of the review committee's report, very significant progress has been made in the development of special education services.
I will continue to review needs in this area and to take whatever further steps are necessary to ensure that all special needs children receive the support they require to enable them to gain maximum benefit from the education system.
My Department does not keep data on the number of children with learning disorders in the general school population. The report of the Special Education Review Committee estimated that approximately 8,000 pupils with special educational needs attend mainstream schools. It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 pupils with special needs enrolled in special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools.