Mary Upton
Ceist:354 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special needs assistant will be appointed to cater for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25232/03]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Pat Carey
Ceist:370 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason an application by a school (details supplied) for a special needs assistant for a junior pupil was refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25329/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 370 together.
My Department considered an application for special needs assistant and resource teaching support for the pupil in question. The application and supporting professional documentation were reviewed by the national educational psychological service who advised that the application did not meet the eligibility criteria set out in the relevant Department circulars. Accordingly, no resources could be approved. A letter to this effect issued to the school authority on 11 September 2003.