Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 7

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

181 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the various services and capitation supplements which are made available to the education project for children in the autistic spectrum; the changes which are being introduced in 2003 in relation to the funding support in a school (details supplied) which may cause a restriction on services; and when he plans to put this pilot project on a permanent basis.. [15125/03]

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

It is my intention that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, ASD, receive education appropriate to their needs. All children with special education needs within the primary school system, including children with ASD, 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 particular case are based on the professionally-assessed needs of the individual child. Many children at primary school level, with disorders on the autistic spectrum, are capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of resource teachers and, or, special needs assistants.

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 receive enhanced capitation grants and operate at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. Special needs assistant support is also provided where required. There are currently 115 such classes for pupils with autism in the primary system. This includes three special classes for children with Aspergers' syndrome, which is on the autistic spectrum. My Department allocates additional resources to individual second-level schools to cater for special needs pupils enrolled in those schools. Applications for resources are referred to the national educational psychological service and each case is considered on its merits. There are seven facilities in the State delivering educational services using alternative educational methods for teaching children on the autistic spectrum, including the facility referred to by the Deputy. My Department has been funding this project on a pilot basis since its operation in September 2001. It catered for 12 children initially and has since been expanded to cater for 24 children. The level of funding approved each year is determined following consideration of the annual budget proposal submitted by the promoters.

A decision on the future of the pilot projects will be taken in light of an evaluation of provision for children with ASD currently being carried out by my Department's inspectorate. The evaluation process will also include educational services for children with autism in other settings such as special schools, special classes and children integrated in mainstream schools. It is envisaged that this process will be completed later this year.