Vol. 563 No. 1
324 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the legal position regarding this person's future education and educational rights; the proposals his Department has to make arrangements for future appropriate and suitable education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7045/03]
Special schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from four years of age until the end of the school year in which they reach their eighteenth year. The Department of Health and Children has direct responsibility for provision for young adults over 18 years of age with special needs. My Department provides funding towards the education component of such provision. My Department's inspectorate was in contact with the school referred to by the Deputy recently and clarified the position regarding the foregoing matter. It is my intention to bring forward legislation similar to the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2002 setting out the entitlement to education services of persons with special educational needs, including those who have exceeded 18 years of age.
