Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

106 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the exclusion and segregation from educational rights entitlement still operates for children with severe autism on Dublin's south side largely due to the absence of a special unit to cater for their special needs; his views on whether it is appropriate that children with severe autism should solely on that basis be refused educational services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24634/03]

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

Responsibility for the provision of services to children with an intellectual disability and those with autism in the Dublin region rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. Therefore, my Department has asked the chief executive officer of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.