Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Noel Ahern

Question:

251 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on progress in relation to the provision of computer discs for home learning for secondary school children specifically where these have been recommended on medical grounds by a psychologist; when these discs will be supplied to a person (details supplied) or his school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16034/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department operates a scheme for the provision of grants for schools towards the purchase of equipment for the use of pupils with certain disabilities or communication difficulties. The purpose of the scheme is to provide such pupils with equipment of direct educational benefit to them. Computer equipment and software are items that may be provided. Under the terms of the scheme the school authorities make an application in respect of an individual student.

My officials have been in touch with the school authorities of the post-primary school attended by the pupil in question to ensure that the school is fully informed about the scheme and to advise the school that it may submit an application on behalf of the student. My Department will process an application from the school without delay.

Noel Ahern

Question:

252 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the State is not providing the necessary facilities for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who was diagnosed as being high functioning autistic, having attention deficit disorder and being hyperactive; the action this person's parents should take to obtain the proper educational facilities; if legal action by them is necessary; the reason his Department cannot provide or fund additional spaces to Beechpark Northside for their pre-school group in Donnycarney at Scoil Ciaráin; the reason his Department does not fund the I Can Do research project organised by a person (details supplied) in Clontarf; the number of children on similar waiting lists; the action being taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16035/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate and report on the case raised by the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

A pilot pre-school class for children with autism was established in the school in question in September 1999. I understand that the school is currently considering applications for enrolment in the pre-school class for the coming school year and that an application for enrolment of the child in question will be considered in this context.

I assure the Deputy that I would be most anxious that no parent of a child with special needs, including autism, should find it necessary to resort to legal action to secure their child's entitlement to an education service. In this connection, I would point out that in November 1998 my Department announced its formal recognition of the distinct educational needs of certain children with autism. Arising from this development, special dedicated provision is now made available for such children in primary schools at a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. Each special class also has the support of a child care assistant. To date, more than 50 special classes have been established to provide dedicated educational support for children with autism and my Department is currently pursuing the establishment of additional classes in a number of locations throughout the country.

The recently published White Paper on Early Childhood Education sets out the proposed framework for the future development of early education services, including services for children with special needs. My Department has recently completed a range of discussions with interested parties in relation to service development in the early childhood education area and proposals to advance the measures set out in the White Paper are now being considered.

The Deputy will also be aware that I recently announced my intention to establish a task force on autism to examine models of provision for children with this condition and to make recommendations for the future development of services in this area. The question of the suitability of a range of models of provision, including that pursued under the I Can Do project, will be considered in this context.

My Department does not have information on the number of pre-school children with autism currently seeking educational placement.