Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

1041 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support provision of special classes in County Kildare for children with language disorders; if his attention has been drawn to the willingness of parents and teachers at Scoil Linbh Iosa, Prosperous, County Kildare, to provide such classes; if he will respond favourably to the request for assistance and approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19969/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I am aware that the management authorities at Scoil an Linbh Íosa, Prosperous, County Kildare, have expressed an interest in establishing a special class for pupils with specific speech and language disorder in their school.

My Department's inspectorate will meet shortly with officials from the South Western Area Health Board with a view to identifying the pupils suitable for placement in such a class. The establishment of such a special class will require the availability of a speech therapy service from the South Western Area Health Board.

Following this process, a suitable location for a special class in County Kildare will be selected. The wishes of the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.