Association submission and provision for pupils
The Minister said he had received and replied to the association’s submission, and offered to provide its detailed points. He was satisfied with primary-level procedures, said post-primary provision needed further examination, and confirmed that recommendations from a 1972 report were being implemented.
asked the Minister for Education if she has received a submission from the Irish Association for Speech and Language Impaired; and, if so, if she will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
A submission was received from the Chairman, Irish Association for the Speech and Language Impaired, in September 1983. Following a full appraisal of the submission a detailed reply was issued to the association dealing with the points raised in relation to the educational provision for speech and language impaired children.
Comment on this
Would the Minister be in a position to let the House know some of the major points made by that organisation in their submission?
Comment on this
I had a meeting with the chairman of the association mentioned. The details submitted to me are very lengthy. They made a number of points with which I would be unable to deal now, but I shall submit them to the Deputy if he requires them.
Comment on this
I would be grateful. Arising from the submission from the parents' association — I think they refer to themselves as Aphasiac — is the Minister satisfied that the facilities available to children with speech and language impairment are adequate in view of the concern that I understand is being expressed in that submission.
Comment on this
It is related to the previous question. As I said to the Deputy, I am satisfied at primary level particularly — at post-primary level I should like to examine the matter further — but I should say that, on the basis of the procedures adopted in relation to the children mentioned in the question, the health boards carry out the assessment and they then pass on their recommendations to us in the Department. In turn we ask our inspectors to investigate the best place the child or children in question can be put. I am satisfied that the procedures adopted are fairly effective and are as good as can be provided.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that a 1972 report commissioned by Deputy Faulkner, when Minister for Education, is available within his Department? Are the recommendations of that report to be implemented in relation to this problem?