Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

166 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 392 of 22 May 2001 in relation to the arrangements for the additional four weeks of school for the special classes for autistic children in national schools, he will outline the schools which will participate in the special education programme announced for the month of July; the extent of the funding available; and if there are any schools with whom detailed discussions have not yet take place; and also to list those schools. [16342/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Arrangements are currently being finalised in my Department for the extension of education programmes through the month of July in the case of facilities catering for children with autism. I expect that the discussions taking place will be finalised shortly and that the schools in question will be contacted in this regard.

Austin Currie

Question:

167 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has for the education of a person (details supplied) and other children in Lucan, County Dublin, who are autistic; if a home tutor will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16364/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am aware of the child referred to by the Deputy for whom pre-school provision has been sought. I have recently announced my intention to introduce a nationwide pre-school service for children with autism.

I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate the education needs of the child referred to by the Deputy and to make contact his family in this regard.