Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Ivor Callely

Question:

260 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications over the past five years by pupils in special schools who have requested an extension of one additional year in school after their 18th birthday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11880/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department does not keep a record of the total number of applicants seeking the facility to which the Deputy refers. However, the number of such cases would be quite small. This is because the young adults in question would generally progress to the services provided by vocational training centres or other facilities which offer educational and other supports to young adults with special needs.

The special schools and special classes generally cater for children with special needs from the age of four until the end of the school year in which the pupil reaches his or her eighteenth birthday. However, an application for an extension beyond the stated age limit will be considered having regard to the circumstances of the individual involved and an assessment of the educational benefit which would accrue from such extension.