Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Joe Higgins

Question:

88 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the success of parents in securing an autism specific unit attached to Scoil Mhuire national school, Coolcotts, County Wexford, his Department has plans to fund the establishment of similar autism specific units utilising the applied behaviour analysis teaching method elsewhere in the country. [11185/03]

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

All children with special educational needs within the primary school system, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, have an automatic entitlement to a response to their needs.

The special educational needs of children with ASD can be addressed in special dedicated schools, in special dedicated classes attached to ordinary schools, or on an integrated basis in ordinary schools. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each case are based on the professionally assessed needs of the child.

Many children at primary school level with ASDs are capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of resource teacher and-or special needs assistant services. Where the level of the condition is of a more serious nature provision is made by way of special schools or special classes attached to ordinary schools. All such facilities operate at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 and special needs assistant support is provided where required.

My Department's inspectorate is currently evaluating educational services for children with autism in a number of settings including special schools, special classes, pilot projects using applied behavioural analysis methodologies and autistic provision integrated in mainstream schools. It is envisaged that a report on the outcome of the evaluation will be available this year.

I intend to ensure that all children, including children with ASDs, receive education appropriate to their needs.