Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

575 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if speech therapy will be provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 in view of the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9831/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Speech therapy services have traditionally been provided through the relevant health authority.

A speech therapist employed by Stewarts Hospital normally provides a service to the school attended by the pupil in question. However, I understand that the speech therapy post in question is currently vacant and that the hospital authorities are endeavouring to fill this post as quickly as possible. My Department is in ongoing contact with the Department of Health and Children in relation to this matter.

I have asked my officials to review current arrangements in relation to the provision of such services to schools, in consultation with the Department of Health and Children. My objective is to ensure that the system is in a position to respond in a positive and efficient manner to the needs which arise within the school system.

I should point out that Cushlough will benefit from my recent initiative, as a result of which the rental grant aid payable to national schools has been increased from 50 per cent to 95 per cent from the 1 January 1999.