Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 695: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide additional places at a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon in view of the increased demand for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28844/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, 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 educational needs supports. This includes applications for the establishment of special classes. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

Responsibility for enrolment to these classes rests with the individual school authority. The qualifying criteria for enrolment in speech and language classes is outlined in my Department Circular 0038/2007 — Criteria for Enrolment for Pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD), Appendix 1, which may be accessed on my Department's website, www.education.ie.

I can confirm that there are currently 60 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 Health Service Executive funds the provision of speech and language therapy services for the children attending these classes.

In circumstances where a child who meets the criteria for Specific Speech and Language Disorder as outlined in my Department Circular 0038/2007 and who is not enrolled in a special class for SSLD may qualify for additional teaching support where he/she is enrolled in mainstream school. Applications for such support may be made to the NCSE through the local SENO. Pupils with mild speech and language difficulties may qualify for supplementary teaching support from within the school's general allocation of learning support/teaching support.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.