There is little provision made for children with epilepsy in the school system, a survey has found.
The survey, by Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association, found that while half the children with epilepsy experience difficulty in school, only 15 per cent receive remedial help. It also found that some epileptic children are bullied at school.
The survey suggests that parents believe teachers have little knowledge of epilepsy or what remedial help the children affected need. About 64 families were surveyed for the research. It is estimated that between 30,000 and 40,000 people in the Republic suffer from the condition.
According to the author, Ms Joyce Senior of UCD, at present, epilepsy has "no legislative definition" and neither the publications of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment nor the Education Act 1998 "make any reference to it as a condition requiring special support or provision".
Despite the problems the survey says children with epilepsy or their parents do not necessarily want special schooling.
About 62 per cent of parents participating in the study believed mainstream schools with special facilities were the most appropriate places to cater for their children's educational needs.
The survey states: "It follows then that the wishes of the majority be respected and that children with epilepsy be educated in mainstream schools."
It adds that specially designated facilities in schools should include the designation of a teacher with "medical needs training" and the consideration of school design.
"School design should allow for circumstances where children do not necessarily need to be sent home following a seizure; i.e., the school should have a quiet room where children can recover before re-joining class. A teacher with medical needs training should be readily available for the management of epileptic seizures and the supervision of the recovery period."
In addition, the Department of Health, in conjunction with the schools' medical services and the health boards, should compile and maintain a central register of pupils with epilepsy as they progress through the school system.
"This will ensure that a consistent record is kept of the management of the condition and that a national database becomes available on children with epilepsy within the State's education system," said a statement from the association.