Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 4

Written Answers. - Early School Leavers.

Michael Ring

Question:

31 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. [15539/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The estimated 750 children in question were identified from a survey conducted by the statistics section of my Department. The data relate to children who left special schools and special classes during the course of the 1996-97 school year.

The survey in question found that a total of 749 children who left special schools or special classes during that school year were at home or did not take up places in further education or training facilities or in sheltered employment. The children in question represent approximately 20 per cent of the total number of those who left the special schools or special classes in the year in question. . The remaining 80 per cent took up alternative educational placements, training, employment or left the State.

Children with special educational needs may attend special schools and special classes until the end of the school year in which they reach their eighteenth birthday. In certain circumstances, their attendance in a special school or class may be extended for a further year.

My Department also provides funding for the employment of instructors or tutors in vocational training centres. These centres provide tuition in literacy and numeracy as part of a three year vocational training programme for young adults with disabilities in the 19 to 25 age range. My Department will continue to support such centres where required.