Vol. 526 No. 4
350 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has any nationwide programme for young people with the ADHD syndrome, especially those that are over 16 years of age and may have been expelled from the formal education system; the plans she has to provide clinics here or to improve services and information to parents of such adolescents. [27061/00]
My Department provides a range of special support services for pupils with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In some cases, where the condition is not of a serious nature, the students in question are capable of being successfully taught within the mainstream first and second level systems, with the support where necessary of resource teachers and-or special needs assistants.
Where more pronounced forms of the condition in question arise, students have access to a range of special schools and special classes attached to ordinary schools. These special facilities can cater for children up to the age of 18 years. All such facilities operate at reduced pupil teacher ratios and attract special increased rates of capitation funding.
The national educational psychological service, which is available to every second level school in the country, is also playing an increasing role with regard to assessment and educational provision for pupils exhibiting persistent and maladaptive levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. My Department also works in close co-operation with the health authorities to ensure that any necessary therapeutic services are made available to such students.
I would be very concerned if any student should be expelled from school as a result of suffering from the condition in question. If the Deputy is aware of any such case, he may wish to provide details to my Department so that the matter can be addressed.
I should also mention that a high level planning group has been working in my Department on the arrangements which should be put in place to ensure the most effective provision of a high quality co-ordinated service at all stages of the education system for students with disabilities, including the condition to which the Deputy refers. The objective is to develop a service which delivers the necessary response when and where required and which operates in a user friendly manner which has full regard to the rights and needs of parents of children with disabilities. I expect to receive the report of the planning group in the near future and I can assure the Deputy that I will be supportive of any measures which enhance the quality of our special education services.
