Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

David Stanton

Question:

243 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 13 May 2003, the name of the school for autistic children mentioned whose pupils have had the home tuition service withdrawn by his Department; the number of autistic children involved; the amount of money saved by his Department by the withdrawal of the home tuition service to these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13584/03]

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

The school in question is the Sonas special junior primary school for autism, Carrigaline, County Cork. It has an enrolment of 24 children and a staffing complement of five teachers and 13 special needs assistants.

The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme is intended to cater for pupils who are unable to attend school on a regular basis because of a grave medical ailment. It may also be provided to pupils who are awaiting an appropriate educational placement. A review of the school's enrolment revealed that ten of the pupils were in receipt of home tuition grant in addition to a school placement. The total grant involved in these cases amounted to €2,847.60 per week.