HL Deb 24 June 2003 vol 650 cc7-8WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the autistic child of Connor Burke of Belfast has been afforded proper support from the Belfast Education and Library Board; and, if not, whether they will review the case. [HL3213]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Under special education legislation when the parent of a child with special educational needs and an education and library board (ELB) disagree over the provision proposed by an ELB, the parents have a right of appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. The Department of Education has no power to determine the provision or intervene in this process.

A separate request has been made to the department under Article 101 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986, as amended by the Education Reform (NI) Order 1989, to consider if the Belfast Education and Library Board has acted reasonably in the case of Connor Burke. This legislation gives the department a general power to consider whether a board has acted reasonably in the exercise of its duty. The department is considering this request.