Vol. 566 No. 3
261 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria his Department has in regard to children diagnosed with ADD and the provision of resource teaching or special needs assistants in primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12754/03]
The special educational needs of children with ADD can be addressed in special dedicated schools, in special dedicated classes attached to ordinary schools, or on an integrated basis in ordinary schools. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each particular case are based on the professionally-assessed needs of the individual child. Many children with the condition in question are capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of the resource teacher and-or special needs assistant services. Where the level of the condition is of a more serious nature, provision is made by way of special schools or special classes attached to ordinary schools. All such facilities operate at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 and special needs assistant support is provided where required. It is my intention to ensure that all children, including children with attention deficit disorder, receive the support they require.
Question No. 262 answered with Question No. 258.
