Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004

Wednesday, 8 December 2004

Ceisteanna (153)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

154 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 2 December 2004, if she will indicate if the report of the psychologist (details supplied) was considered by her Department prior to making the decision to reduce rather than increase the hours required in circumstances where the report supplied clearly indicates the requirement for a full-time special needs assistant from September 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32704/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm that all professional documentation received in my Department in support of the application in question, including the report referred to by the Deputy, was forwarded to my Department's professionals for examination prior to the recommendation of 12.5 hours special needs assistant support for the pupil concerned being made. Arrangements will be made to have the matter re-examined should additional information be submitted to my Department in support of the application.