asked the Minister for Education if he will state, further to replies of 24th November in regard to the facilities for the education of autistic children, whether he is now aware that such facilities at St. Loman's, Palmerstown, County Dublin are restricted to children under twelve years of age; if he will now take positive steps to ensure that this type of special education is extended to older children; and if he will give details of the special education for autistic children provided at Benincasa, Sion Hill, Blackrock, County Dublin, indicating whether in point of fact children over twelve years of age are being educated in this school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Education of Autistic Children.
22.
There is nothing in the rules or regulations of my Department which confines the education of children in special schools to those under 12 years of age. I am aware, however, that the unit at St. Loman's Hospital at present deals only with children up to 12 years of age. As regards the provision of a unit for older children, this is a matter for the Minister for Health to whose reply of the 24th November in that connection I would refer the Deputy.
The special national school known as Benincasa, Sion Hill, Blackrock caters for autistic children in addition to those suffering from certain other handicaps. Children over 12 years of age are being educated there. None of the autistic children in the school has as yet reached the age of 12.
Is the Minister aware that about 75 per cent of these autistic children are boys? I do not know why. Will he say whether there are any children over 12 years of age in this school at Sion Hill?
They are not all autistic children. There are other types of handicapped children, according to my information.
Is the Minister in a position to say whether, when these autistic children have reached an age when they are no longer eligible for the educational facilities that have been described, arrangements have been made or are being made, to look after them in their adolescence and maturity?
The question of eligibility does not arise. As I said, the rules and regulations of the Department do not confine the facilities available to children under 12 years.
The Minister for Health admits that this applies only to children under 12 years——
I did not admit that.
I think the Minister did in reply to a question by me on 24th November.
Read the answer.
I have it in front of me.
(Interruptions.)
There are other parents with problems as well as those who have autistic children.
I am only looking for the facts.
This is certainly a question on which there will be no controversy. In so far as steps have been taken to provide accommodation for autistic children, I am sure everyone in the House congratulates the Government on that. Does that sooth the Minister? All I want to ask the Minister is, bearing in mind that these children have been segregated into the autistic category, have any arrangements been made, or are any arrangements in contemplation, for their care and protection in adolescence and maturity? I will fully understand if that has not been yet done.
I asked the Minister for Health on 24th November if he was aware that the unit at St. Loman's deals only with children up to the age of 12 years——
Is this question to me again?
The Minister answered the last one I put, and I thought I would give him one of his own.
It is not on the Order Paper.
Questions to the Minister for Education are being taken now.
Is the Minister for Education aware that when I asked the Minister for Health if he was aware that children under the age of 12 years only were being treated in St. Loman's the Minister replied: "I am aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy in the opening part of the question."
(Interruptions.)
The confusion may arise by reason of the fact that educational facilities for children suffering from certain types of defects or illnesses are provided in other institutions already. The only decision I have made in relation to these children is that the national system of education applies to these institutions, so the rules and regulations governing the national schools will apply here, with a better pupil-teacher ratio. I have not made any decision based on the medical principles involved.
The Minister will understand the anxiety——
No provision was made under your Government for any of these children, and Deputy Corish was a member of that Government and he never heard of it.
The Minister is doing things now which he would not do in 1932.
Does the Minister for Education appreciate (1) that everyone recognises with appreciation and approbation the provision now been made for autistic children, and (2) that there is some solicitude that that provision having been made, the good contained in it might be negatived if plans were not made in time to ensure that the good work is carried to completion by adequate provision being made for their adolescence and maturity. No one says the Government are being remiss. All we are asking for is information.
Why did you not do it in 1956?
It is 20 years since the Tánaiste was diagnosed as a senile deliquent by the former Deputy Cogan.
(Interruptions.)