Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2004
179 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the moneys paid for the settlement of claims against the State brought by parents of special needs children; the estimated costs of future claims and the likelihood of additional claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15334/04]
View answerDuring the past three years my Department has paid €2,656,527.17 for the settlement of claims brought by parents of children with special needs. Some €38,318.52 has been paid to date this year.
With regard to the future, I accept that some claims will continue to be made against the state in the short to medium term. However I am confident that the number of such claims will reduce as a result of the significant increase in resourcing for special needs education in recent years. The ongoing improvement of these services will further reduce the likelihood of additional claims in the future.
180 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15470/04]
View answerI can confirm that my Department received in January 2004, an application for a special needs assistant for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The application will be considered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, and a response will issue to the school authorities as quickly as possible thereafter.
My Department has no record of receiving an application from the school with regard to improvements works necessary to facilitate this child's entry to the school. However, it is open to the school authority to submit details of the minimal works required to the school building unit of my Department for consideration
181 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the support services and resources being provided for the autism unit in Greendale school; and if he has plans to improve the range of services available to better meet the needs of the children involved. [15471/04]
View answerI am most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs. The facility in question is operating on a pilot-project basis and involves a comprehensive application of behaviour analysis to schooling approach. I wish to confirm that my Department is prepared to continue to provide funding for this facility for the next school year 2004-05.
My Department will, in due course, consider the reports of the inspectorate on autism-specific provisions and any issues arising therefrom will be raised directly with the management authority of this facility. Its future, beyond 2004-05, will be considered in the context of this process. I understand that the facility referred to by the Deputy caters for 24 pupils and that the budget allocated for the current school year is €928,705.
