§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial or administrative support has been offered by the Department of Education or the education 739W and library boards to the Conductive Therapy Primary School established in Dungannon; and if he will undertake to ensure that all suitable students requiring conductive education will have an opportunity to attend this school.
§ Mr. HanleyNone. The Department of Education understands that the Buddy Bear Trust is proposing to establish an independent school in Dungannon for children with motor disorders. Independent schools do not receive assistance from public funds, though they are required to comply with statutory procedures regarding registration. To date, no such application has been received. Education and library boards are responsible for identifying, assessing and determining the special educational provision for children with special educational needs. If a board considers that provision should be made other than at a grant-aided school, it is obliged to seek the Department's approval. In considering such a placement, the board and the Department would seek to establish that this best meets the child's special educational needs.