Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Education and Science

Special Educational Needs

9:00 pm

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1122: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the expert group on the education of children with emotional and behavioural disorders was established by the National Council for Special Education; the membership of this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2204/10]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has set up a Group to look at educational provision for children with emotional/behavioural disorders.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply in relation to the specific information sought by the Deputy.

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1123: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a structured appeals process whereby parents, if unhappy, can appeal the decision of a local special education needs organiser to a senior SENO has been established by the National Council for Special Education in view of the absence of an appeals system to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2205/10]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 provides for the establishment of the Special Education Appeals Board (SEAB), to hear and determine appeals under the Act. Board members are currently working to ensure that appropriate structures and processes will be in place once the relevant sections of the Act, which would allow appeals to be undertaken, are commenced.

Pending full implementation of the Act, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and following discussions with Management Bodies, is preparing to introduce a structured appeals process whereby schools and parents, where appropriate, may seek to appeal the decision of a Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) in relation to the allocation of resources. This scheme is currently being piloted in a number of schools.

In the meantime, the NCSE will undertake to review a decision taken by a SENO on foot of a request from a school or parents/guardians, when accompanied by relevant additional information such as professional reports which may not have been to hand at the time of the decision.

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.

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1124: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the role, duty and responsibilities of the National Council for Special Education in assisting the Health Service Executive in relation to providing education services for children under five years who have been assessed under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005; the number of children referred to the NCSE for services; the number that are receiving special education services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2206/10]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established to co-ordinate the delivery of services for children with special educational needs. The NCSE is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE co-ordinates with the health services, schools and other relevant bodies regarding the provision of education and related support services to children with disabilities/special needs.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 provides for the independent assessment of health needs of persons arising from a disability and also, where appropriate, the education services to be provided. The Act sets out the role of the NCSE in this regard. In June 2007, Part 2 of the Act was commenced for children less than 5 years of age. Since then, the NCSE has processed 1,462 requests for assistance for such children following receipt of applications submitted by Health Service Executive Assessment Officers nationally.

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