Vol. 534 No. 2
139 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if a request has been received from the principal of a school in County Dublin in respect of a person (details supplied) to have arrangements put in place to facilitate this person while taking leaving certificate examinations in 2001. [10256/01]
My Department received an application for reasonable accommodations at the 2001 leaving certificate examination on behalf of the candidate named by the Deputy. The authorities of the candidate's school submitted the application. The school concerned was notified of the decision in relation to this candidate on 13 March 2001. In the event that the school, candidate or parents are not satisfied with the decision, they have a right of appeal to the reasonable accommodations appeals committee. The procedure for appeal was also brought to the school's attention at that stage.
140 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science when the commitment to provide a longer school year until the end of July to special needs schools, specifically schools for people with autism, will be implemented; and if it will be available in the current school year. [10281/01]
My Department is currently engaged in planning for the extension of education programmes through the month of July in the case of all special facilities catering for children with autism. I intend that this extension of service will take place from July 2001 onwards. All classes catering for children with autism during the July period will operate at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 and each class will also have the support of two special needs assistants.
141 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of his recent reply to a written parliamentary question wherein it was agreed that there is a need to establish a second class in the Mullingar area to accommodate pupils who will require speech therapy assessment and assistance from September 2001 onwards, he will indicate when this class will be established; where it will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10282/01]
My Department's inspectorate is actively investigating the establishment of an additional special class for pupils with specific speech and language disorder in the area referred to by the Deputy. I have asked that this investigation be completed as a matter of urgency so that the necessary provision can be put in place.
The establishment of the special class will require the availability of a speech therapy service from the health authorities.
