Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

591 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the special needs class at Scoil Bríde national school, Leixlip, County Kildare, is full; if his attention has further been drawn to the proposal to open a special needs class in Celbridge; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that due to the shortage of space in Scoil Bríde, some of the pupils from Leixlip must attend a special class in St. Brid's national school, Kilcullen, which is 30 miles away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21344/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

There are two special classes for children with autism which, although situated on the same campus as Scoil Bride, Leixlip, County Kildare, are actually based in Scoil Mhuire, Leixlip. These special classes cater for a total of 12 pupils and I understand they are currently operating to full capacity.

My Department has received a proposal to establish a special class for pupils with autism in the Celbridge area. However, I understand the establishment of such a special class may have implications for the accommodation needs of schools in that area. My officials are at present reviewing the overall availability of accommodation for special classes in County Kildare.

I am aware a pupil with autism from the Leixlip area was not able to be accommodated in the special classes in Scoil Mhuire, Leixlip, and that his parents accepted a place in a special class in Kilcullen, County Kildare. It was not possible for my Department to facilitate this pupil with a transport service to Kilcullen. However, my Department has recently sanctioned and enhanced transport grant to the parents concerned to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements.