Michael Noonan
Question:117 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a report on the services available to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18205/01]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the child referred to will be placed in a special class for pupils with autism in September 2001. Such special classes have the support of a class teacher and two special needs assistants. The school authorities also receive enhanced capitation grants and support in respect of equipment needs of the class. An outreach support service is also provided to the special classes by the health authorities.
I expect to receive the report of the Task Force on Autism shortly, which will provide a basis for the future development of an appropriate response to the needs of children with autism.
Richard Bruton
Question:118 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the availability of resources in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 to deal with children with learning difficulties; the number of children with special learning difficulties in that school; and when the last assessment of the needs of these children was carried out by a member of his Department's inspectorate or psychological service. [18209/01]
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has provided a psychological service to the school in question since 1996. The psychologist assigned to the school has discussed its needs for psychological support with the principal. One assessment of a pupil with suspected general learning disability was requested in spring 2001 and was provided. Visits to the school are made on a regular basis, the most recent being in early June, and NEPS will continue to respond to the school's needs. My Department's inspectorate has been in contact with the school in question recently and I understand that the inspector will be submitting a comprehensive report on the special educational needs of pupils in this school in the near future. Once the inspectorate has reported, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities.
Ulick Burke
Question:119 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to purchase a property (details supplied) in County Galway to provide facilities for children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18212/01]
The provision of an autism specific school in the Galway area is currently under active consideration in my Department. No decision has been made to date regarding the location of this provision. My officials are in contact with the parents of the children concerned, the service providers and schools management in an effort to secure the most suitable location for this provision.