Vol. 513 No. 6
422 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the 18 year age restriction for attendance at special schools; the number of pupils who were unable to complete secondary education due to this regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3058/00]
I assure the Deputy that I am very anxious that no students with special needs should be prevented from completing their education.
In general, students who attend special schools complete their programme and graduate at the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th birthday. Such students can then progress to attendance at a vocational training centre where they receive programmes of education and training designed for young adults with disabilities.
However, my Department will consider allowing a further year's attendance at a special school in the case of any individual student whose needs are such as to warrant an extension. For example, in the case of a pupil studying for State examinations, my Department may sanction an additional year in a special school. All such cases are considered on an individual basis having regard to the particular circumstances involved. There are no proposals at present to alter this arrangement.
My Department does not keep statistics on the number of students who graduate from special schools at the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th birthday.
