Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 967: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on a pilot scheme of dual enrolment for special needs children between special and mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1452/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to develop special schools as centres of excellence and outreach facilities and allow for dual enrolment so that children can attend both a special school and a mainstream school as appropriate.

The concept of dual enrolment raises a range of practical issues which require careful consideration. These issues relate to such matters as the educational needs of the children concerned, the manner in which staffing and funding resources allocated in respect of such children should be apportioned between two schools catering for the same pupil for limited periods. Issues relating to capitation funding and entitlement to special transport services would also arise.

The National Council for Special Education is undertaking a Review of Special Schools and Special Classes and this issue will be considered further in the context of the Report on this Review which I expect to receive this year.