HC Deb 30 November 1990 vol 181 cc496-7W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision exists or is planned to provide and equip a school for special speech therapy for children living in Northern Ireland who are unable to speak.

Dr. Mawhinney

The following special school and units attached to ordinary schools specifically cater for the needs of children with speech and language problems:

  • Thornfield Special School—Newtownabbey
  • Enniskillen Model Primary School—Unit
  • 497
  • Gibson Primary School, Omagh—Unit
  • Killard House Special School, Newtownards—Unit
  • St. Joseph's Primary School, Bessbrook—Unit

However, any child with such difficulties, placed in any special school or unit because other problems are predominant, will also receive speech therapy.

Provision for pupils with special educational needs is a matter for education and library boards in the first instance. I am not aware of any proposals for further provision.