Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2009
708 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will authorise the establishment of an applied ASD unit in a national school (details supplied) in County Limerick to meet the needs of children with autism in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15640/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resources to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
709 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if suitable second level placement in main stream education will be found to facilitate a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the way this child’s needs will be met in view of the extensive enquiries already made by their parents to date without success; if it is possible to meet their requirements within reach of their home in any of the adjoining second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15649/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child and I am advised that there is ongoing contact between the family and the NEWB in this regard.
The Deputy will appreciate that as there is a judicial review pending in relation to an appeal decision associated with the enrolment of the child in question, it is inappropriate for me to comment on the case. In the meantime the child is being supported through the Home Tuition scheme.
