Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

879 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be provided with a replacement speech and language therapist in view of the special circumstances of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 12 and of the parents whose children attend the school. [17805/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

The school in question has sanction from my Department for a special class for pupils with a specific speech and language disorder. Such special classes operate with a pupil teacher ratio of 7:1 and have the service of a full-time speech therapist. The health authorities, through the relevant health board, provide therapy services. The employment and funding for the speech therapist in this instance is the responsibility of the Eastern Health Board.

I understand that the speech therapist in the school referred to by the Deputy left in April 1999 to take up employment elsewhere and that the vacant post has not been filled to date. I have referred this matter to my colleague the Minister for Health and Children for his attention.

I have also asked my officials to carry out a review of the general situation concerning the provision of speech therapy services in special schools and special classes, 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. The needs of the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in the context of this review.