Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2005
736 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special educational needs organisations employed; the appeals process open to persons who disagree with a SENO regarding the assistance that their child requires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22570/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which became operational on 1 January 2005, now processes applications for special educational needs supports and decides on the level of support appropriate to the school. A total of 71 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents.
The NCSE will undertake to review a decision on foot of a request from a school or parents or guardians, when accompanied by relevant additional information, which may not have been to hand at the time of the decision. The NCSE has outlined this process in its circulars NCSE 01/05, primary and NCSE 02/05, second level, which issued to all schools in January 2005.
739 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if an additional special needs teacher will be sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the need for this teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22671/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has sanctioned an additional special needs teacher to the facility concerned and has also agreed to allocate funding to facilitate the expansion of the facility to cater for an additional six children.
