Special classes for children with specific speech and language disorders are established where a need is identified on the basis of up-to- date psychological and speech therapy reports in respect of the children in question.
At present, there are four such special classes in the Limerick area, two in the Clare area and two in the Tipperary area. Each special class operates at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 7:1.
My Department also provides resource teaching support for children with specific speech and language disorders who are attending mainstream schools on a fully integrated basis.
A prerequisite to the establishment of special classes for children with specific speech and language disorders is the availability of an appropriate speech and language therapy service. Responsibility for the provision of such services rests with the relevant health authority. My Department liaises with the health authorities in the establishment of such classes.
Question No. 627 answered with Question No. 594.
Question No. 628 answered with Question No. 558.