Vol. 504 No. 7
61 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he will take to make provision for the estimated 750 children who left special schools or special classes and did not continue their participation in education, training or sheltered employment. [12819/99]
The estimated 750 cases to which the Deputy refers were identified in a survey of schools which was conducted by my Department's statistics section. The data relates to children who left special schools or special classes during the 1996-97 school year and did not continue their participation in education, training or sheltered employment.
The survey found that a total of 3,730 children left the special schools or special classes during the year in question. Of this total, the responses from the schools indicated that 2,799 children went on to participate in further education or training or to attend sheltered workshops/ employment. A further 182 children are recorded as having left the jurisdiction. Of the remaining 749 children, the reports from the schools indicated that 370 had remained at home, while data was not available on the remaining 379 children.
Children with special educational needs may attend special schools and special classes until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th birthday. In certain circumstances their attendance in the special school or special class may be extended for a further year.
My Department also funds the employment of instructors in literacy and numeracy in vocational training centres as part of a three year vocational training programme for persons with special needs who range in age from 19 to 25. Access to these services will continue to be made available for young adults with special needs.
