Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (230)

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

409 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department is currently investigating an application from a school for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath for special needs resources; the progress that has been made with this application in view of the fact that the original application was forwarded 15 months ago and of the very considerable special needs of this person; and when will he authorise the immediate provision of a special needs assistant. [21694/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Applications for special needs assistant support and resource teaching support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy were received by my Department.

The application for special needs assistant support does not meet the criteria under the terms of my Department's circular 07/02. The application will be reconsidered if additional information on the pupil's care needs is submitted to my Department.

With regard to teaching support, the Deputy may be aware of the new weighted model of resource teacher allocation for pupils with special educational needs who, like the pupil in question, fall within the high-incidence disability categories.

It would be expected that the needs of the pupil in question can be met from within the current resource or learning support teaching allocation available to the school. The school authorities were notified accordingly.