Vol. 568 No. 5
250 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the maximum support and assistance will be provided to Camphill Community, Ballytobin, Kilkenny, to ensure that a person (details supplied) receives the best education and therapeutic supports. [16414/03]
A meeting was held with representatives of Ballytobin-Camphill community recently to discuss the recognition process for schools. The representatives were advised that recognition as a mainstream school could not be granted since the requirements for curriculum provision and patronage were not being met.
In view of the particular emphasis of the school, the representatives acknowledged that it might be more appropriate to seek application for recognition as a special school and indicated that they would consider submitting a proposal in this regard to the special education section of my Department. No such proposal has been received to date.
The provision of therapeutic supports is the responsibility of the relevant health authority.
252 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to provide a resource teacher for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16439/03]
The National Educational Psychological Service Agency, NEPS, has evaluated the special educational needs of the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The outcome of the evaluation was that no resources could be approved as the pupil was intellectually functioning in the low average range.
My Department advised the school of the position by letter dated 9 April 2003.
253 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special assistant can be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at Ferrybank national school, Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16440/03]
My Department received an application for special need assistant support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy within the last two weeks.
My officials will liaise with the school authority in question as soon as the application has been examined.
