Dáil Éireann - Volume 630 - 01 February, 2007

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Mr. Kehoe Mr. Kehoe

Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that under Circular SP ED 09/04 a diagnosis of ADHD can not be made unless a report is available from a psychiatrist or clinical diagnosis and that as her Department only employ educational psychologist schools are dependent on their local health board to provide the service, that currently in Carlow there is not such person to carry out such an assessment and as a result children with suspected ADHD are not receiving the early intervention they require; and the advice she would give to overcome this predicament. [2640/07]

Ms Hanafin Ms Hanafin

  Ms Hanafin: I am aware that there must be a report from a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist and evidence that a child is receiving treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) to enable the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to examine applications for resource teaching supports.

This requirement is to ensure a proper diagnosis of the condition. Any resources that might be allocated to the relevant school will work in tandem with therapy supports provided outside the school setting. Responsibility for the recruitment and deployment of health professionals is the responsibility of the HSE.

Dáil Éireann 630 Written Answers. Special Educational Needs.

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