Vol. 445 No. 8
2 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education if she has met with representatives of the Irish Society for Autism; if she has considered proposals made to her Department by this Society; the action, if any, that has been taken arising from these proposals; and her views on whether it is appropriate that children with autism should be educated with emotionally disturbed children. [1185/94]
51 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the provision made for the special educational needs of children with autism; the plans, if any, she has for improvements in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [455/94]
55 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she is taking to provide a school specifically for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1061/94]
119 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education if she has received a copy of the policy statement of the Irish Society for Autism; her views on the principles outlined therein; the proposals, if any, she has to provide a school specifically for children with autism separate from those provided for emotionally disturbed children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [357/94]
121 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Education when the portacabin at James Connolly Special School, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, is to be replaced with a proper school building suited to the health and educational needs of children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [456/94]
135 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education when she will reply to the representations made by the Irish Society for Autism at a meeting with officials of her Department in March 1994 and on other occasions and, in particular, the case made for at least one pilot school in the greater Dublin area designated specifically for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1229/94]
168 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education if the submission by the Irish Society for Autism in support of the case for a dedicated educational facility for children with autism has been examined by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [641/94]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 51, 55, 119, 121, 135 and 168 together.
I met representatives of the Irish Society for Autism in July 1993. Subsequently, senior officials of my Department met representatives of the society. On that occasion, the society presented material in support of its case for a dedicated educational facility for children with autism. The case put forward by the society has now been examined in detail by my Department and I hope within the general framework approach set out in the report of the Special Education Review Committee, it will be possible to target resources specifically at the needs of autistic children. I hope to be able to announce a pilot initiative in this area in the near future.
I have received a copy of an education policy statement prepared by the Irish Society for Autism. I note that this document has as its core the principles and recommendations set out in the report of the Special Education Review Committee, which my Department is seeking to implement on a phased basis.
I can confirm that discussions to secure suitable alternative accommodation for James Connolly Special School are at an advanced stage. However, in deference to the other parties involved in these discussions, I am not in a position to be more specific at this time. I can, however, assure the House that every effort is being made to finalise these discussions as quickly as possible.
I thank the Minister for indicating that the Department will actively consider the provision of special education for autistic children. This is long overdue and I hope the pilot project will proceed quickly. The Minister referred to the James Connolly Special School which she hopes to rehouse. As she is aware, autistic children are being taught with emotionally disturbed children. Does she agree that this is not a suitable place for autistic children to receive education? Will the Minister agree that designating a special category for autistic children would be a more suitable way of ensuring they get an adequate education?
The accommodation in Ballyowen Meadows and James Connolly Special School is not adequate for the children being educated there.
Autism can be broken down into different characteristics: some children suffering from autism have impaired language development, social development, obsessive behaviour, other might have another handicap. We know that 80 per cent will need life long support and supervision in dealing with their different levels of handicap. There are between 14 and 22 cases each year. As the Deputy correctly said autism has been brought under the umbrella of the emotionally disturbed, mentally handicapped and learning and language disabilities.
If the outcome of talks on accommodation is positive we should be able to make special arrangements for autistic children by providing a special unit in schools, a specially designated curriculum, and a separate special teacher to address the particular educational needs of autistic children. That new initiative will be closely monitored to establish its effectiveness and to provide a basis for possible future developments in this area.
Is the Minister telling us that she will set up a special class for autistic children? Will the Minister clarify whether it will be in an ordinary school, or a school for the emotionally disturbed? Would the Irish Society for Autism not prefer a specific school for autistic children or at least a special class within a mainstream school? The option of having a special class in a school for the emotionally disturbed is way down its list of recommendations. When will this initiative get under way?
I hate giving a time-frame but, presuming the matter will be resolved and that things go well, it should get underway by the mid-term break. I know there is great concern on all sides of the House about this issue. We have been working towards this throughout the summer.
I expect to be able to put in place a specific unit and when we find accommodation for the other schools we will put in a special unit with a teacher working on a special curriculum and monitor it closely because future developments may be different from in the past.
