Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 April 2007

Wednesday, 25 April 2007

Ceisteanna (195, 196)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

216 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if access to a special needs assistant will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has dyspraxic tendencies and is difficult to engage in learning activities in the classroom; if the contents of the school based psychological report on this child have been considered by her Department in the context of this child’s special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15501/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, through the local special educational needs organiser (SENO), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special needs supports for children with special educational needs. The SENO is also a focal point of contact for parents and schools.

I am informed that the local SENO has arranged to meet the school authorities and the child's parents within the coming days to discuss the child's needs.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

217 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application for the provision of an autistic unit at Newport, County Mayo from a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this is the only school in the area with an autism class; if she has examined the proposal that has been submitted; when she will issue approval for the provision of a permanent building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15502/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The need for an autistic unit has been determined and an application for capital funding for additional accommodation, including an autistic unit, has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. This application is being assessed with reference to factors such as current and projected enrolments at the school, the likely impact of ongoing and proposed housing developments and the existing provision in the general area.

When this assessment is complete, a decision will be taken on how best to provide for the current and emerging accommodation needs at the school. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that applications from schools for additional accommodation for units for children with autism are being given priority within the building programme and I have arranged for one of my officials to contact the school in question to advise them of the position.

In accordance with the prioritisation criteria for school building projects agreed with the Education Partners, projects involving the provision of specialist accommodation urgently required for children with special needs such as autism are afforded a Band 1 priority by the Department.