I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 214, inclusive, together.
The most recent data available to my Department indicates that there are 1,289 children with a severe or profound mental handicap between the ages of four and 19 years. This data is taken from the intellectual disability database maintained by the health authorities.
It is a matter for the parents of each individual child to decide whether they wish to avail of the formal education service offered by my Department. In some instances parents choose for clinical or other reasons not to avail of a formal education service. My Department is prepared to respond positively to any request for the provision of an education service for children with severe-profound mental handicap. My Department is also in close contact with the service providers in relation to these cases.
There are 78 special classes for children with severe-profound mental handicap. These classes provide an education service to approximately 460 pupils. A number of applications for the establishment of additional classes for such children are being pursued by my Department.
There are two High Court cases pending against the State in relation to educational provision for children with a severe or profound mental handicap. I am not in a position at this stage to indicate the likely costs of these cases. Both are at a preliminary stage and have not come before a full hearing of the court. Nor would it be a useful exercise to speculate as to the potential, generally, for claims for damages against the State on behalf of children with severe or profound mental handicap.