Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 188: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the drawing up of a comprehensive information guide for parents of children with special needs in the age group of five to 18 years in order that these parents will know how, when and where to access the appropriate services for their children, who the service providers are, the level of service to expect, and their entitlements to support from these services whilst their children are attending second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15545/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since its establishment, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), with its national network of over 80 Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) has provided 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. It is open to parents to contact their local SENOs directly regarding their child's special educational needs and contact details are available on the Council's website or by contacting the Council's headquarters at 046 9486400.

In addition, the NCSE and my Department has made information available to schools by way of circulars and guidelines on the resources available to support pupils with special educational needs. This information may be accessed on the NCSE's website, www.ncse.ie, or on my Department's website, www.education.ie. It is my Department's intention, during the course of this year, to draw up information leaflets for parents of children with special educational needs setting out the special educational services available in schools and how these may be accessed.