Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a school place will be provided in September 2006 for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19694/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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. My officials have liaised with the NCSE in the context of the child in question. The NCSE has advised that they have not received any application for assistance with the application in question. It is open to the parent/s to make contact with the relevant SENO who can assist in accessing an appropriate educational placement for the child. Contact with the relevant SENO can be made by contacting the NCSE at 046/9486400 or alternatively by accessing the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has conducted a survey to determine the adequacy of service provision to schools with classes for children with special education needs; if so, what were the results; if not, if it is intended to conduct such a survey; her views on the results of the survey conducted by school principals and forwarded to her late in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19695/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department's Inspectorate carries out whole-school evaluations which are a process of external evaluation of the work of a school.

The process is designed to monitor and assess the quality, economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the education system provided in the state by recognised schools, including those with classes for children with special educational needs, and centres for education.

I am aware of the survey conducted by school principals. My Department intends to undertake a review of all special schools and special classes attached to mainstream primary schools. The initial part of the review involves the gathering and collation of information and views in relation to special schools and classes and is being undertaken by St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra on behalf of the Department. One of the purposes of the review is to examine how we can optimise the role and potential of special schools. My Department is most anxious that the skills and expertise that these schools have accumulated in dealing with children with special educational needs is utilised to best advantage in providing for such children going forward. The second phase of the review will be managed by the National Council for Special Education and will involve wider consultation with the schools and other partners.