Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 531: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of children, with a language disorder waiting for a place in a specialist language class; if she can provide this information on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32800/06]

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 in primary schools nationwide. The classes operate at 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 and my Department does not hold any information in relation to waiting lists for these classes.