Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

David Stanton

Ceist:

530 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 dated 21 November 2002, his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being encountered by parents of special needs students who wish to avail of dual enrolment to assist the students in the transition from special needs schools to ordinary primary schools; if his Department has finished considering the issue; the conclusions, in this regard; the action he plans to take [2094/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I am aware of the issues to which the Deputy refers and the potential benefits which a dual enrolment arrangement might afford to certain children with special needs as part of their transition from the special school system to mainstream schools. However, the concept of dual enrolment raises a range of practical issues which require careful consideration. These issues relate to such matters as the manner in which staffing and funding resources allocated in respect of such children should be apportioned between two schools catering for the same pupil for limited periods. Issues relating to capitation funding and entitlement to special transport services would also arise. No decisions have yet been taken in relation to these matters.