Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

811 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that a boy (details supplied) in Dublin 24 has not attended school since December 2001 and that the South-Western Area Health Board has on two separate occasions contacted the special needs section in his Department requesting support for this person who clearly needs special support and attention; if home tuition will be provided for him until a local school offers him a place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8902/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department was not aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. Inquiries by the SWAHB to my Department were of a general nature and were not specific to the child referred to by the Deputy.

Enrolment in second level schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of schools and my Department does not interfere in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second level places in an area. This may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

The national educational psychological service is available to all post-primary schools recognised by my Department. NEPS can advise on the management of any difficulties that pupils might experience and which may present problems in a school setting. Where appropriate it can also advise on any educational supports which might be required to ensure that a pupil's time in school is as productive and positive as possible.

The home tuition scheme operated by my Department seeks to ensure that a pupil who cannot attend school at a particular juncture continues to receive a certain level of educational provision. The scheme allows for the provision of up to nine hours one-to-one tuition per week, which is generally provided in the child's home. Home tuition is not offered as an alternative to mainstream education, rather it is meant to ensure the continuation of a certain level of education during the period that a suitable full-time school placement is being sought.

In order to progress this case further a questionnaire has issued to the child's mother which will help identify his educational needs and provide my Department with her written permission to contact schools and NEPS on behalf of this child.