Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
270. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that the current assessment of need process sufficiently caters for students with severe visual impairment; what accommodations are to be made for severely visually impaired students when completing the test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7559/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The assessment of need process is provided for under the Disability Act 2005. Assessment officers under the remit of the Health Service Executive (HSE) are charged with organising the assessment of need.
The HSE assessment officer makes the determination as to whether or not a child or young person meets the definition of disability contained in the act and the assessment officer coordinates and completes the assessment report.
Matters in relation to the assessment of need process should be directed to the HSE or to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
