Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding speech and language therapy in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26979/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD). This 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). Special classes may also be discontinued by the NCSE where the need no longer exists.

The criteria for enrolment in a Special Class for pupils with SSLD is set out in my Department's Circular 0038/2007. 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). A minimum number of five eligible pupils is required for a school to retain a SSLD class. Eligible pupils may spend up to two years in such classes.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. The school to which the Deputy refers should contact their local SENO to discuss further. The provision of health supports, including Speech and Language Therapy services, is the responsibility of the Health Service executive and requests in relation to this particular issue should be directed to that body.