Vol. 509 No. 4
333 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 17 December 1998, the information sought has been compiled with regard to the pre-school interventions being provided to assist the educational and social development of autistic children; the number of children involved in these programmes; the number of autistic children under the age of five; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20315/99]
The Deputy will be aware that I have made an allocation of £1.2 million available in the current year for the development of early education interventions, particularly for special needs children.
My Department is currently supporting pilot pre-school provision for autistic children in three locations. These initiatives are in Cork and Dublin north city and Dublin south city. These pre-school classes can cater for a maximum of twenty four pre-school children.
My Department does not have statistics on the number of children with autism under the age of five.
The White Paper on Early Childhood Education, which I will publish shortly, will set out my proposals for the development of a comprehensive early childhood education service. The specific needs of children with autism will be addressed in the White Paper.
334 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, regarding the development of special intervention programmes under the auspices of his Department with regard to autistic children; the plans, if any, he has to further expand these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20316/99]
Children with autism have access to a range of educational support services. The precise nature of the support provided will depend on the severity of the condition in each individual case. In some cases, children with mild cases of autism are educated in ordinary schools, with the support, where necessary, of remedial and resource teachers.
Children with more serious needs have traditionally been catered for in a number of special schools, including schools for children with mild general learning disability and schools for children with emotional-behavioural disorders.
The Deputy will be aware that in the last school year I announced the formal recognition of the distinct educational needs of certain children with autism. Such children are now being catered for in 48 special classes established in special schools and in mainstream primary schools throughout the country. Each class, which caters for a maximum of six pupils, receives the support of a class teacher, a special needs assistant and enhanced capitation funding. In addition, the relevant health authority provides an outreach support service.
My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the possibility of establishing additional special classes for children with autism in a variety of locations throughout the country.
It is my intention to continue to target such educational supports for children with autism where an assessed level of need has been identified.
