Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 823: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason children with a disability are being forced to travel long distances for education services. [14347/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's policy is to ensure the maximum possible integration of children with special educational needs (SEN) into ordinary mainstream schools within the child's community where this is in the best interests of the child and those with whom s/he is to be educated. One of the benefits of this policy is that children do not have to travel long distances to school. However, there may be circumstances when full integration is not in the best interests of some children.

In such situations, these children can attend special classes attached to certain ordinary mainstream schools. All special classes have the same increased levels of staffing and funding as are made available to special schools. Children with SEN attending special classes attached to mainstream schools may also, where appropriate, be integrated into ordinary classes for periods of the school day.

Children can also attend in special schools that are dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs. There are 107 special schools in the country at present. These schools cater for children from four to 18 years of age and each school has a significantly reduced pupil teacher ratio, special needs assistant support and increased levels of capitation.

I am anxious that children with special educational needs should be educated within, or close to, their own communities in so far as practical. Where parents of children with special educational needs are concerned about the length of their child's journey to school, they should contact their local special educational needs organiser (SENO). It may be possible for the National Council for Special Education to establish suitable, more locally-based, provision if there is sufficient demand. Contact details may be sourced through the NCSE website www.ncse.ie or through the NCSE headquarters in Trim, telephone 046 9486400.