Vol. 537 No. 5
111 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the additional resources for the special class for autistic children in Ballounagh Primary School, Tralee, County Kerry, will be provided to ensure that the class will be continued in September 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16533/01]
A special class for children with autism was established in the school in question in September 2000.
My Department has already sanctioned the appointment of a teacher and two special needs assistants to support the children attending this class. The school is also being allocated an enhanced rate of capitation funding in respect of children attending the special class and funding in respect of equipment and the rental of "portakabin" accommodation. These resources will continue to be made available for the forthcoming school year.
Responsibility for the provision of the necessary therapeutic support services for the children in question rests with the relevant health board. If the school is encountering difficulties in relation to these services, my Department would be willing to raise the matter with the relevant health authorities.
112 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers currently being trained in specialist training for teachers of children with autism through the Special Education Unit at St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, in conjunction with Birmingham University; the extra time involved in this specialist training; the extra cost of same in a full year; the basic qualifications required prior to teachers taking part in this specialist training; the details of the programme including its title; the way in which this programme has been assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17084/01]
Twenty-five teachers were selected to participate in the distance education course, which is provided by the University of Birmingham in association with St. Patrick's College of Education, Drumcondra, Dublin.
The course runs for one year. The tuition fee per participant is £1,090 sterling. There are also travel and subsistence costs of some £600 per participant. Applications for the course were invited from permanent teachers working with children with autism spectrum disorders in posts sanctioned by the Department.
An advanced certificate in special education: autism (children) or a post-graduate certificate in special education: autism (children) will be awarded to the successful participants by the University of Birmingham. The course includes two workshops, six tutorials and three reading assignments – one of the workshops took place in Dublin in January and the other in Birmingham in April.
