Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

350 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the development plans which he is preparing for the provision of suitable education and support services for persons aged 18 and over with autism; the extent of the additional provision which is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19858/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department established a task force on autism in October 2000 to draw up proposals for the future development of services for children with autism. The report of the task force on autism is lengthy and complex. It contains approximately 180 individual recommendations ranging from measures aimed at identifying prevalence rates, through issues relating to diagnosis and assessment, the centrality of the role of parents, the required models of education and health care services, the need for specialist training for those involved in service provision, to structural, constitutional and policy issues.

The scope of the task force's recommendations is such as to require a multi-faceted response. My Department's key focus to-date has been on progressing the fundamental structural and legislative measures which are necessary to underpin the development of services for persons with autism in line with the task force's recommendations.

A key development on the structural front has been the Government's decision to approve the establishment of the national council for special education. The national council, which will have a local area presence, will play a key role in the development and delivery of services for persons with special needs, including persons with autism. It will also have a research and advisory role and will establish expert groups to address particular areas of special needs provision. It will also establish a consultative forum to facilitate inputs from the education partners and other interested parties. Arrangements for the establishment of the council are now well advanced. I expect that a chief executive will be appointed to the council shortly and that the council will be vested and operational by the end of March 2003.

It is also my intention to bring forward legislation as soon as possible to copper-fasten the rights and entitlement of persons with disabilities, including persons with autism. The objective of this legislation, which will be based on the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2002, will be to provide a statutory guarantee of education services for persons with disabilities, including persons with autism. The Bill will provide a clear and enforceable statement in law of the rights of children and adults, who because of disabilities have special educational needs and will propose to put in place a statutory structure, which will guarantee their education. Key provisions in the Bill will include: the establishment of a register of children with special needs, including persons with autism; the introduction of education plans tailored to the disabilities and educational needs of each individual; the involvement of parents in the planning and on-going review of their children's' education; the introduction of mediation and appeals structures to facilitate parents who are concerned at the adequacy of the provision being made available; the setting up of the national council for special education as a dedicated statutory body with responsibility for ensuring that the aims of the Bill are met; and the introduction of statutory duties on health boards to provide assistance and services necessary for the education of persons with special needs.

Throughout the summer my Department has been involved in a comprehensive consultation process with interested parties in relation to the measures proposed in this legislation. The views expressed will be fully considered prior to finalisation of the draft Bill.

I am satisfied that the development of the national council for special education, coupled with the legislative measures which I intend to bring forward as speedily as possible, will provide the basis on which the range of recommendations brought forward by the task force on autism can best be progressed.

In the meantime, I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to respond to the educational needs of children with autism. To date, in excess of 90 special dedicated classes have been established to cater for such children. Each class operates at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 and each class also has the support of two special needs assistants. Further support is provided where deemed necessary on the basis a professional assessment of needs.