Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

546. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the academic or financial supports available for students who suffer with severe asthma, at primary, secondary and third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24816/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to firstly advise the Deputy that the Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all of the pupils in their school. Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to ensure pupil safety and should put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of pupils.

The classroom teacher is responsible for educating all pupils in his/her class and has primary responsibility for the progress and care of all pupils in his/her classroom. The class teacher may be supported by a learning support teacher in instances where pupils have learning support needs. Schools are given guidance on how to identify pupils for learning support in my Department's Circulars 02/05 and 0070/2014.

The capitation grant is the main funding mechanism for schools to enable them meet their day to day running costs. Schools have flexibility and discretion on how to target funding to the school's own priorities, based on its knowledge and understanding of the needs of the students it serves.

Finally, the Fund for Students with Disabilities, which is available to students attending both higher and further education, provides financial support for students with disabilities, including significant ongoing illness, to ensure that they can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. Applications for support from the Fund for Students with Disabilities are made by the college on the behalf of the students attending who need such support.