Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
285 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of services to students with special needs at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; when his Department will have finished its consideration of psychological reports submitted for these students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5744/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of two full-time and one part-time resource teaching posts. This school also has the services of a full-time learning support teacher and five special needs assistants.
I can confirm that my Department has received applications for special education needs, SEN, supports for a number of pupils attending the school in question during the period from 15 February to 31 August 2003. SEN applications received during that period, including the applications made by the school concerned, are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to before or soon after the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special educational resource provision conducted over the past year or so. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
286 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will issue to a school (details supplied) in County Carlow in respect of resource teaching for a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5760/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy, including an application for the pupil in question.
SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising of members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year or so. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advise on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
