Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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105. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is the role of the clinical psychologist to make a recommendation that a child should attend a special needs class (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10810/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I can inform the Deputy that it is the role of the clinical psychologist, or indeed any other health professional, to describe the presentation, strengths, abilities and needs of a child with disabilities. It is the role of the Department to provide transport to the nearest school which can meet those needs. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has announced that the allocation process for the 2014-2015 school year has commenced and that schools should submit applications by March 26th.

In relation to the issues raised by the Deputy, there are discussions ongoing between officials at my Department, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education in order to ensure that resolution be found in advance of the processing of these applications.