Ruairí Quinn
Question:421 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the start up date for the GABAs, similar to the Cork ABA scheme, to start in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29620/00]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
I am aware of the proposal to which the Deputy refers. My Department's inspectorate is currently pursuing possible arrangements for the establishment of an autism specific educational service for children with autism in the Galway area. As part of this process, one of my Department's inspectors recently met with some of the parents of children with autism in the area. The inspector has also had discussions with representatives of the service providers in the Galway area. The inspector will be submitting a report to my Department in the near future.
I recently announced a range of new measures to enhance the level and quality of special education services available for children with autism. These measures include: the immediate introduction of a nationwide pre-school education service for all children with autism; the extension of the school year through the month of July in the case of all special facilities catering for children with autism; and a doubling of the level of special needs assistant cover provided to each special class catering for children with autism.
I am confident that the introduction of these additional measures will make a positive contribution to the development of a satisfactory response to the educational needs of children with autism in the Galway area.