Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

391 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress with regard to providing full-time education for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who suffers from a head injury and has not been in school for most of 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27390/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am aware of this case.

This person attended Kilkenny college until the end of his second year there in June 2000. I am informed that the school decided that, due to the extent of impairment caused by the head injury, it could not provide a suitable education beyond that school year.

He then attended the National Training and Development Institute, NDTI, centres in Kilkenny and Carlow, which are funded by my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children.

I understand that, with the agreement of his parents, a full-time placement is now being sought by the South Eastern Health Board in its head injury unit in Clonmel.

I should add that the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, is available to advise on the management of any educational difficulties that pupils might experience. Where appropriate it can also advise on any educational supports which might be required to ensure that a pupil's time in education is as productive and positive as possible.