John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 587: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if senior Department officials will meet with a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to agree on the appropriate means of educating their two sons who have speech and learning difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11689/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), which became operational on 1st January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports for pupils in primary and post primary schools. The role of the NCSE includes taking over some key functions in relation to special education provision from the Department of Education and Science. The NCSE, through its network of over 80 special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is providing a structure for the delivery of an effective and speedy education service to children and families coping with disability on a daily basis. Working locally on the ground, the SENOs are a focal point of contact for parents and schools. The local SENO has advised that she will contact the family directly regarding the matter raised by the Deputy.