Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

186 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in appointing a special needs assistant to the Salesian College, Celbridge, County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for same; and when an appointment will be made. [19301/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The authorities of the Salesian College, Celbridge, have recently submitted an application for additional teaching resources and a special needs assistant to cater for the needs of pupils with special needs who are attending the school. This application has been referred to the National Educational Psychological Service for a report and recommendation.

As soon as the report has been received and considered, my Department will advise the school authorities of the decision.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

187 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the special facilities which are available for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; if there are some schools more geared to cater for such children; if there are any back-up facilities available for families coping with two or more such children; and if there is any after school care or socialising opportunities provided. [19327/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Many children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of the resource teacher and/or special needs assistant services.

In October 1998 the Government decided that all children with special needs, including children suffering from the condition to which the Deputy refers, should henceforth be entitled to an automatic response to their needs, irrespective of their level of need or location. As a result of this development, the number of resource teachers supporting such children has been increased from 104 to more than 950. The number of special needs assistants has been increased from less than 300 to more than 2000 over the same period. Additional such resources are being deployed on an ongoing basis as further needs are identified.

Where the level of the disorder in question is of a more serious nature, provision is made by way of special classes in special schools or attached to ordinary primary schools. All such facilities operate at a pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 and children attending such classes attract a special rate of capitation funding.

The resources available to my Department to support children with special needs, including children with the condition in question, are focused on the development of in-school services.