Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004

Tuesday, 30 March 2004

Ceisteanna (171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

285 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10057/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that my Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of one full-time resource teacher and two shared learning support teachers.

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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service or NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

286 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10058/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

292 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10064/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

293 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10065/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

295 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10067/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

303 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10080/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I propose to take Questions Nos. 286, 292, 293, 295 and 303 together.

My Department is currently considering applications for special support services to cater for students with special educational needs at each of the schools to which the Deputy refers. The nature and level of the response provided in each case will have regard to the professionally assessed needs of the individual students involved. The school authorities will be advised of my Department's response to their applications as soon as possible.

With regard to the issue of accommodation, the position with the schools in question is as follows. No application for additional accommodation has been received from St. Wolstan's community school or Salesian's secondary school. Meanscoil Iognaid Rís is currently in discussion with my Department about the design and delivery of modular accommodation. A large scale building project for Maynooth post-primary school is at early stages of architectural planning. My Department recently provided over €3 million for a large scale refurbishment and extension project at Scoil Dara, Kilcock, County Kildare.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10059/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of two full-time resource teachers and a part-time resource teacher, one full-time shared learning support teacher, three full-time special needs assistants, SNA, and three part-time SNAs. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

288 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10060/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has no record of receiving any applications for additional special educational resources, SER, from the school in question. Any applications received will be considered in the context of the criteria set out in the relevant Department circulars and the existing level of SER provision in the school.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with over 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

A psychologist from the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, has been assigned to the school referred to by the Deputy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

289 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodating special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10061/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I can confirm that my Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of four full-time resource teachers, two full-time learning support teachers and two full-time special needs assistants, SNA. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with over 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

290 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10062/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of one full-time resource teacher, one full-time shared learning support teacher and two full-time special needs assistants, SNA. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.

The arrangements for processing applications received after the 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with over 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10063/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of three full-time resource teachers and one full-time shared resource teacher, one learning support teacher, two full-time special class teachers for children on the autistic spectrum, 18 full-time special needs assistants and five part-time special needs assistants.

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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

A psychologist from the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, has been assigned to the school in question.

Questions Nos. 292 and 293 answered with Question No. 286.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

294 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10066/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of two full-time resource teachers, two shared learning support teachers, three full-time special needs assistants and three part-time special needs assistants. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.

The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Question No. 295 answered with QuestionNo. 286.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

296 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10068/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of two full-time resource teachers, one full-time shared learning support teacher and three full-time special needs assistants. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

297 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10069/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of one full-time resource teacher, one full-time learning support teacher and one part-time special needs assistant. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

298 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10070/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of one part-time resource teacher, one full-time shared learning support teacher, one full-time special needs assistant and one part-time special needs assistant. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

299 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, in relation to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet in full these requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10072/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of one full-time resource teacher, one part-time resource teacher, two full-time learning support teachers, two full-time special needs assistants and one part-time special needs assistant. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

300 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10074/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of two full-time resource teachers, one full-time learning support teacher, two full-time special needs assistants and two part-time special needs assistants. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

301 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10075/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of two full-time resource teachers, one part-time resource teacher, one full-time shared learning support teacher and two full-time special needs assistants. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

302 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10078/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of one full-time shared resource teacher, one full-time shared learning support teacher and two part-time special needs assistants. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Question No. 303 answered with QuestionNo. 286.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

304 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10082/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school currently has the services of two full-time resource teachers, one full-time shared learning support teacher, one full-time special needs assistant and two part-time special needs assistants. 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 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 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 advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003 will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

305 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when, with regard to accommodation, special teaching requirements, classroom assistants or psychological services, he expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10083/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

My Department has no record of receiving any applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school in question. Any applications received will be considered in the context of the criteria set out in the relevant Department circulars and the existing level of SER provision in the school.

With regard to accommodation, the Deputy will be aware that the 2004 school building programme is the largest in the history of the State, with more than 200 significant school building projects being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004. The details of these projects are available on my Department's website. Furthermore, the budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Due to general staffing constraints in the public service, it is unlikely that there will be any major expansion in County Kildare during the current school year of the service offered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. However, schools without access to the NEPS may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, details of which may be found on my Department's website.

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