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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

530 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in finding a place in a secondary school for a person who was the subject of a letter (details supplied) from Deputy Noonan on 20 March 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12411/00]

I am aware of the details of this case.

Enrolment in second level schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of individual schools and my Department does not interfere in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second level places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

The national educational psychological service – NEPS – is available to all post primary schools recognised by my Department. NEPS can advise on the management of any difficulties that pupils might experience and which may present problems in a school setting. Where appropriate, it can also advise on any educational supports which might be required to ensure that a pupil's time in school is as productive and positive as possible.

In order to progress this case further a questionnaire has issued to the child's mother which will help identify his educational needs and provide my Department with her written permission to contact schools and the national educational psychological service, on behalf of her child.
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