Vol. 571 No. 1
573 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 7 May 2003, regarding a person (details supplied) in County Carlow, if the case will be reviewed and the school granted the teaching support needed as outlined in the child psychologist's report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20433/03]
A review by the National Educational Psychological Service of an application for special educational resources indicated that the child in question did not meet my Department's criteria for resource teaching support. It is a matter for the school authorities to consider if the needs of the child could be met from within their current learning support teacher provision. There is no record in my Department of any additional supporting documentation having been received from the school in question.
574 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the support and assistance requested by persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be given; if the submission made by the school principal and visiting teacher will be considered and acted upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20434/03]
An application for special needs assistant support for the pupil concerned was received in my Department. All applications for resource teacher and special needs assistant support received after 14 February 2003 and by close of business on 31 August 2003 will be examined on the basis of the supporting professional report(s) and in the context of the resources already available to the school. The process involves an examination of each application and supporting documentation by a dedicated team of inspectors and psychologists and schools will be informed of the outcomes as early as possible in the school year 2003/2004.
575 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if further hours of home tuition and other supports will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, having regard for the reports available on the case; and if he will expedite a decision in the case. [20435/03]
The application in question has been processed and ten hours home tuition per week have been sanctioned. The parents of the child in question were advised of the position by letter on 1 September last. Additional correspondence from the family has been received in my Department and is currently under consideration. Further contact will be made with the family in due course.
