Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:
207
Ms O'Sullivan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the action he proposes to take to implement recommendation 7.6.1 of the Task Force in Autism (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26457/02]
Michael Ring
Question:
218
Mr. Ring
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the resources which are available for the development and implementation of early services programmes for children on the autistic spectrum; the number of places available for children diagnosed with autism; his plans to implement the recommendations of the report of the Task Force on Autism; his plans to provide further funding in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26628/02]
Richard Bruton
Question:
247
Mr. R. Bruton
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the service available for early intervention for children in the autistic spectrum; and the action taken to date on the recommendations of the Task Force on Autism.
[26836/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 218 and 247 together.
The report of the task force on autism is lengthy and complex. It contains approximately 180 individual recommendations ranging from measures aimed at identifying prevalence rates and early intervention, through issues relating to diagnosis and assessment, the centrality of the role of parents, the required models of education and health care services and the need for specialist training for those involved in service provision, to structural, constitutional and policy issues. The scope of these recommendations means that a multi-faceted response is called for. My Department's key focus to date has been on progressing the fundamental structural and legislative measures which are necessary to underpin the development and delivery of services for persons with autism in line with the recommendations of the task force.
A key development on the structural front has been the decision to establish a national council for special education. The national council, which will have a local area presence, will play a key role in the development and delivery of services for persons with special needs, including those with autism. It will have a research and advisory role and will establish expert groups to address particular areas of special needs provision. It will also establish a consultative forum to facilitate inputs from education partners and other interested parties. Arrangements for the establishment of the council are well advanced. A chief executive has recently been appointed and the objective is that the council will be vested by the end of March 2003.
It is also my intention to bring forward legislation as soon as possible to confirm the rights and entitlement of persons with disabilities, including those with autism. The objective of this legislation, which will be based on the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2002, will be to provide a statutory guarantee of education services for persons with disabilities. The Bill will provide a clear and enforceable statement in law of the rights of children and adults who because of disabilities have special educational needs and will propose to put in place a statutory structure, which will guarantee their education. My Department is involved in consultations with interested parties in relation to the measures proposed in this legislation. My objective is to advance this legislation as speedily as possible with a view to enacting it before the summer recess.
In the meantime, investment in special support services for children with autism is continuing to develop. To date, approximately 90 special classes dedicated to children with autism have been established. Further such classes are being established on an ongoing basis in response to assessed needs. Each class caters for a maximum of six pupils and is supported by a teacher and two special needs assistants. Children attending such classes attract a special rate of capitation funding at a rate of €582.50 per annum. Such children are also entitled to avail of the special school transport service which includes escorts on school buses. Expenditure on the special transport service in the current year is estimated at €40 million, with an additional €4.4 million being spent on the escort service. In addition to school based provision, my Department is currently funding a number of projects using the applied behavioural analysis model of response to children with autism. Annual expenditure on projects using the ABA method in the coming year is likely to be in excess of €3 million.
Further support is provided to children with special needs, including children with autism, through the part-time teaching service. The fund ing allocation for this service is being increased from €12 million in the current year to €19 million in 2003.
