Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

190 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that there are sufficient education opportunities in Monaghan town and the north Monaghan area in general for children with mild mental handicap needing second level education; his views on whether there is a need for either a class within an existing secondary school or a separate unit to save these children from having to travel long distances to get a proper education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28958/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Children with a mild general learning disability of second level age are generally catered for in ordinary second level schools with the support of a resource teacher and child care assistant services. The level of support provided in any particular case is determined by the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in the current year a total of six resource posts have been allocated to second level schools in County Monaghan to cater for special needs pupils attending the schools in question.