Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the long delays being experienced by children in need and waiting for speech and language facilities; and the further reason there has not been extra personnel recruited to deal with the caseload. [30600/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that there are currently 58 special classes for children with specific speech and language disorder operating in primary schools nationwide. These classes generally have a pupil teacher ratio of 7:1.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special needs supports, including applications for the establishment of special classes. Responsibility for enrolment to these classes rests with the individual school authority. My Department will be in contact with the NCSE advising of the need to ensure that there are sufficient specific speech and language classes established to cater for the needs of all eligible children.

The Deputy will also be aware that the provision of therapy services and the recruitment of therapists is a matter for the Health Services Executive (HSE) and funding is provided to the HSE for such purposes. The extent of service provided to these classes is a matter for the HSE.