Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

David Stanton

Question:

314 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the training required by people taking up positions as special needs assistants in primary schools; the requirements to advertise in the media for such positions; if special needs assistants are appointed to the school or to the child; the requirements to re-advertise the position if another child with special needs begins to attend the school in a case where a child with special needs leaves a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15191/03]

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

The minimum educational qualification required by my Department for special needs assistants is grade D, or pass, at least in Irish, English and mathematics in the junior certificate examination, in the day vocational certificate examination or in an examination of equivalent standard.

My Department is in the process of consulting with the management bodies of primary and second level schools with regard to the development of standard selection procedures for the appointment of special needs assistants. When standard procedures agreed between the stakeholders the relevant authorities will be informed.

Special needs assistants are recruited specifically to assist in the care of pupils with disabilities in an educational context. They may be appointed to a special school or a mainstream national school to assist school authorities in making suitable provision for a pupil or pupils with special care needs arising from a disability.

Finian McGrath

Question:

315 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) can be assisted and something practical done to end the three year waiting list for children with disabilities; and if maximum support, advice and practical assistance can be given to this person's family. [15192/03]

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

I am aware of the case referred to by Deputy. The child in question is three years of age and my Department sanctioned ten hours per week home tuition on 30 April 2003. The home tuition scheme is intended to cater for children who are unable to attend school on a regular basis because of a grave medical ailment. It may also be provided for children who are awaiting an appropriate educational placement. The responsibility for procuring the tutor rests with the parent-guardian and my Department plays no part in this process.

All children of school going age with special education needs within the primary school system, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, 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 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 Asperger's syndrome, which is on the autistic spectrum.

There are seven facilities in the State using alternative educational methods for teaching children on the autistic spectrum. A decision on the future of these pilot projects will be taken in light of a valuation 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 in mainstream schools. It is envisaged that this process will be completed later this year.

Question No. 316 answered with Question No. 308.