Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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236. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will explain the reason there is an ongoing dispute in relation to Health Service Executive specific speech and language services in Tallaght which have been provided to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 to cater for children with special educational needs; if he will indicate the steps being taken to resolve this dispute between his Department and the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33448/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD), which includes provision for the establishment of special classes for pupils with SSLD in primary schools. Applications to establish such classes are considered by the school's assigned Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) and those meeting the criteria for establishment are approved by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). A full-time teacher is assigned to each class, and classes operate with a reduced pupil-teacher ratio of 7:1. In addition, an enhanced capitation grant is provided to schools operating special classes for pupils with SSLD. Speech and Language Therapy services are provided to these classes by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

I can confirm that my Department has been in contact with the school in question in relation to matters raised regarding the provision of Speech and Language Therapy in the school. A meeting which has been scheduled to take place shortly between the parties concerned will be attended by an official from my Department's Inspectorate Division, with a view to resolving any outstanding matters.