Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2014
477. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reasons counselling psychologists are not included in her Department's list of mental health professionals from whom reports may be accepted by the National Council for Special Education; if her Department will review it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44223/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs.
This responsibility includes planning and co-ordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs. Each SENO works in an assigned local area with parents, schools, teachers, psychologists, health professionals and other staff who are involved in the provision of services in that area for children with special educational needs. Relevant professional assessment reports are provided by schools to SENOs as part of the application process for support. The consideration of these reports is an integral part of determining the extent of supports to be provided for pupils with special educational needs. NCSE circular 03/08 clarifies the respective roles and functions of the NCSE and the HSE and their respective personnel in carrying out assessments and sanctioning resources to support children with special educational needs. I understand that the NCSE is in contact with the Deputy in relation to the nature of reports which may be considered for the purposes of resource allocation. As such, I will arrange for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
