Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

592 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3, who has undergone a medical examination by a senior psychologist who states that they need a minimum of four and a half hours special needs training and that the principal of the school agrees with this assessment; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that his Department has approved only two and a half hours of special needs training; and if he will reconsider his decision on this matter and provide sufficient resources to meet this person's minimum requirement of special needs training. [20526/03]

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

An application for 4.5 resource teaching hours for the pupil referred to by the Deputy was made by the school in question. Following a review by the national educational psychological service, the school was advised that 2.5 resource teaching hours was approved in line with the criteria for resource teaching support as outlined in my Department's circular 08/02. The level of support sanctioned is based on the professionally-assessed needs of the child in question. I am not aware of a request from the school for an increase in the approved level of support.

Question No. 593 answered with Question No. 473.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

594 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and provide them with the necessary resource teaching support. [20557/03]

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

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 outcome as early as possible in the school year 2003-04.