Tony Gregory
Ceist:759 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision for home tuition services for children with learning difficulties in reading and writing; and the aids that are available from his Department. [8717/02]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:760 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedure for identifying children with visual disabilities who also have learning difficulties in reading and writing; and the provision that is available for home tuition and learning aids to overcome such learning difficulties. [8718/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 759 and 760 together.
Home tuition services are generally made available to support students who, because of serious medical or other difficulties, are unable to attend school or are absent from school for lengthy periods. The level of support provided in each case is based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child. The service can also be made available to children who are absent from school because of delays in arranging a suitable placement.
Children with visual disabilities can be catered for in special schools, in special dedicated classes attached to ordinary schools or in integrated set tings where they can be supported by the learning support or resource teacher service.
All special schools and special classes dedicated to the visually impaired operate at a reduced pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 and pupils attending such facilities attract a special increased rate of capitation funding. Children with visual impairment attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis can be supported by the learning support teacher service and the resource teacher service. The level of support provided is based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child, including any learning difficulties which the child may be encountering.
All children with visual impairment also have the support of the visiting teacher service, which includes specialists in visual impairment. The visiting teachers provide tuition in the home for pre-school children from the time of diagnosis. The service also supports students with visual impairment at first, second and third level. In addition to providing advice and support to students, parents and schools, the visiting teachers make recommendations to my Department to address any special learning difficulties which may require attention. The visiting teachers also make recommendations on any special equipment needs which may arise in respect of individual pupils. My Department provides funding to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers, braillers, radio aids etc., where recommended by the visiting teacher service. Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
The school referred to by the Deputy is being extended or refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:761 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 will be assessed for learning difficulties in reading and writing. [8719/02]
Following the recent resignation of the psychologist in the National Educational Psychological Service Agency with responsibility for the service to children with visual impairment, NEPS has now re-organised this service. Two psychologists have taken on the lead responsibility for the co-ordination of the service and have recently visited the school attended by the named person. One of these psychologists will, in the near future, arrange an investigation of the person's needs.