Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

1167 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to improve and extend the provision of special needs resources at St. Joseph's school, Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22535/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The school referred to by the Deputy has the following supports for pupils with special needs: Two special class teachers for pupils with autism; one teacher for pupils with mild general learning disability; one resource teacher for pupils with disabilities; one learning support teacher; one teacher to assist with pupils with emotional disturbance; six special needs assistants catering for pupils with autism; and three full-time and one part-time special needs assistants catering for individual special needs pupils.

I understand the South-Western Area Health Board has notified the school authorities of its intention to provide financial assistance to commission the relevant therapy supports for the special classes for pupils with autism. I am not aware of any application to my Department for additional supports for special needs pupils attending the school in question. However, I have asked the inspectorate of my Department to investigate the needs of the school. Once the inspectorate has reported, my officials will be in contact with the school authorities.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

1168 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the inadequacy of the transport grant offered to the parent of an autistic child (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if transport for this child and others in the same class will be arranged by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22520/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. My Department has recently requested Bus Éireann, who operate the school transport service on behalf of the Department, to investigate the provision of a suitable transport service for the child referred to by the Deputy. Once Bus Éireann has reported, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities and with the parent of the pupil in question. Transport arrangements have been made by my Department for the other children in the special class either by way of a transport grant or by the provision of a special transport service.