Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 6

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

321 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will authorise the use of existing accommodation in the mainstream educational facilities or specialised facilities either in north Kildare or the surrounding area in view of the needs of the mother of a mildly autistic child in County Kildare (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the outreach proposals to set up special classes in existing schools to meet this requirement; if he will support this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5225/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

In November 1998 my Department announced its formal recognition of the distinct educational needs of children with autism. As a result of this decision, children with autism now have an entitlement to special dedicated education services at a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. Since this decision was taken, a total of 50 special classes catering exclusively for children with autism have been established, including four such classes in the Kildare area. Children attending these latter facilities also have access to the outreach support services provided by the Eastern Health Board.

Officials of my Department are currently in discussion with school authorities in the Kildare area with a view to establishing further special classes for children with autism from the area. As part of this process, every effort is made to avail of existing accommodation in schools in the area.

I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate the particular case raised by the Deputy with a view to ensuring that suitable educational provision is made available as soon as possible.

Johnny Brady

Question:

322 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the services, if any, provided for children with autism. [5234/00]

Johnny Brady

Question:

323 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the educational choices including the support services, if any, available to special schools for children with autism and separately in special classes in main stream schools; the age groups covered by his Department; the number of children with autism identified within the educational system during the present school year in the special schools system and in the main stream school system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5235/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.

Children with autism have access to a range of special educational support services.

In November 1998 my Department announced its formal recognition of the distinct educational needs of children with autism. As a result of this decision, children with autism now have an entitlement to special dedicated provision at a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. Such provision may take the form of special classes attached to ordinary primary schools or special dedicated classes in special schools. All such classes also have child care assistant support and the children in question attract a special increased rate of capitation funding.

As a result of this initiative, a total of 50 special classes catering exclusively for children with autism have been established and further classes will be established as required.

Children with autism can also be catered for on an integrated basis in ordinary primary schools, with the support of the resource teacher service. Arising from a Government decision in October 1998 all children with special needs within the primary system, including children with autism, now have an entitlement to an automatic response to their needs. Already, as a result of this initiative, the number of resource teachers catering for such children has increased from 104 to 329 and the number of child care assistants has grown from 299 to 937. The process of allocating additional resources to cater for these children, including children with autism, is continuing.

Children with autism may also require the support of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and other therapeutic services. Such services are provided by the relevant health board and my Department works in close co-operation with these services to ensure the provision of these necessary supports.

The range of special educational support services provided for children with autism are available to children from the age of four to 18 years.

It is estimated that approximately 300 children with autism are being catered for in special dedicated facilities at present. Information on the total number of children with autism within the education system in the present school year is not readily available to my Department.