I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD), including provision for the establishment of special classes for Specific Speech and Language Disorder in primary schools. Speech and Language Therapy services are provided to these classes by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Pupils who are not enrolled in a special class for SSLD and who meet the criteria for Specific Speech and Language Disorder, as outlined in my Department's Circular 0038/2007, may qualify for additional teaching support where he/she is enrolled in mainstream school.
There are approximately 4,932 pupils at Primary level and 912 pupils at Post Primary level for whom resource teaching hours were allocated to schools to support pupils enrolled with SSLD for the current academic year. Pupils with mild speech and language difficulties may qualify for supplementary teaching support from within the school's general allocation of learning support/teaching support.
Pupils with SSLD who also have significant care needs may also qualify for access to Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support. It is important to note that SNAs and teachers have separate yet complementary roles. The class teacher is responsible for educating all pupils in his/her class, including any pupil with a special educational need. In this task, the teacher may be supported by a learning support teacher and-or resource teacher. SNAs are allocated to schools to enable them to support pupils with disabilities who also have significant care needs.
Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that the provision of health supports, including Speech and Language Therapy services, is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. I advise the Deputy to refer her question in this regard to my colleague, the Minister for Health, for his attention and reply.
