Vol. 577 No. 3
244 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports and entitlements available from his Department for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30696/03]
The child in question is currently enrolled in a class for children with autism in a special school. The pupil teacher ratio for this class is 6:1 and the class also has the services of two full-time special needs assistants. Special schools and special classes attract enhanced levels of capitation grant.
245 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 7 May 2003 and 573 of 30 September 2003 regarding a person (details supplied) in County Carlow, if he will review their case in view of a recent submission from the school regarding this person's needs; if the educational needs of this person will be met without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30697/03]
The pupil in question does not meet my Department's criteria for resource teaching support based on documentation already submitted. An official from my Department's special education section has recently been in touch with the school authorities concerned in relation to this matter and they have confirmed that they have not requested a review of the outcome. It is a matter for the school authorities to consider whether and how the needs of the child could be met from within their current learning support teacher provision.
