Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly attending school is only receiving a special needs assistant until 2 p.m.; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the person has to leave the school at 2 p.m.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5227/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently considering the matter referred to by the Deputy. The school in question has applied to have two existing part-time special needs assistant, SNA, posts upgraded to full-time posts to cater for a number of pupils attending the special classes, including the pupil in question. A decision on this matter will be conveyed to the school at the earliest possible date.

I wish to clarify that a full primary school day comprises a period of not less than five hours, 40 minutes. Schools are permitted to reduce the school day by one hour for children in infants and first class.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the plans there are for this person; if this person will receive home teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5251/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that an application for resources for the pupil in question, who appears to have special educational needs, was made to the National Council for Special Education recently. If it transpires that the school in question is not suitable for this pupil's needs then the parents or guardians may apply to the special education section of my Department for a home tuition grant while a suitable placement is being sought.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason there has been a change in the resources given to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in view of the recommendations made by their psychologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5261/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The special needs assistant, SNA, provision in the school in question was reviewed by my Department's inspectorate in September 2004. Following discussion with the pupil's teachers and observation in the school, it was concluded that the pupil is now able to complete all personal care functions age appropriately and no longer requires the level of SNA support originally sanctioned. My Department subsequently advised the school as to how it might deploy the SNA support available, in order that it may provide care support for all pupils in the school who qualify for such support.