Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 January 2004

Thursday, 29 January 2004

Ceisteanna (114)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

109 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis upon which funding for alternative therapies are assessed and determined; if such an assessment has been carried out to date in respect of the therapy primary movement; if he will provide funding to support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 from a low income family with the cost of a primary movement specialist, a therapy recommended by his resource teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2596/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Responsibility for the delivery of therapy services to children with special educational needs lies with the relevant health authorities who are allocated funding for this purpose. Any issues associated with the assessment of or determination of cases for funding would be a matter for the health boards concerned.

My Department has not received any correspondence concerning therapy services for the pupil in question. My officials have been in contact with the pupil's school and have clarified the position outlined above for the school.

Questions Nos. 110 and 111 answered with Question No. 106.