Dáil Éireann - Volume 623 - 06 July, 2006

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Ms C. Murphy Ms C. Murphy

Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has formally requested support therapies for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare under Section 40 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27546/06]

Ms Hanafin Ms Hanafin

  Ms Hanafin: My Department has not formally requested support therapies for the person in question under Section 40 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools.

1791

My officials have liaised with the NCSE in relation to the child referred to by the Deputy. [1791] The NCSE has advised that it has not received any application for assistance with the application in question. It is open to the parent(s) to contact the relevant SENO who can assist in accessing an appropriate educational placement for the child. Contact details for the relevant SENO may be sourced from the NCSE at (046) 9486400. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

Meanwhile, I understand that the child is currently in receipt of 20 hours home tuition per week pending the identification of a suitable school placement.

Dáil Éireann 623 Written Answers. Special Educational Needs.

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