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Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004

Tuesday, 7 December 2004

Questions (277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

304 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that schools actively support and involve parents of a child with autistic spectrum disorder in all aspects of the education of their child; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32141/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

308 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that differentiated provision be made available for various needs of pupils within the spectrum, irrespective of the timing of diagnosis, and sufficiently flexible to allow the child with an autistic spectrum disorder to avail, when necessary, of different placements; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32145/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

310 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that there be a range of differentiated models of provision for autistic spectrum disorder in respect of the two categories of classic autism and AS-high functioning autism; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32147/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

311 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that following the multi-disciplinary assessment to be carried out prior to the completion of the primary stage, the proposed special needs organiser or appropriate Department officer have the responsibility, with parental agreement, for identifying and securing an appropriate post-primary placement for students with autistic spectrum disorders; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32148/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

312 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that entitlements or supports attached to each child, subject to appropriate modification, be automatically transferred to the next educational setting; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32149/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

313 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that any additional resources allocated to a pupil with an autistic spectrum disorder be ring-fenced in respect of that pupil; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32150/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

314 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that support services be fully accessible to all pupils with autistic spectrum disorders, irrespective of whether their educational placement is in home-based, mainstream or special settings; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32151/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

315 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that she issue and circulate written guidelines outlining the necessity of regular home and school liaison in respect of students with autistic spectrum disorders; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32152/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

320 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that school level placement recommendations be based upon a least restricted environment philosophy and a presumption of local provision; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32157/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

322 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that the proposes visiting teacher service for autistic spectrum disorders continue to play an important function in supporting pupils with autistic spectrum disorders at second level; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32159/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

327 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that a national forum be established to facilitate communication between teachers and other personnel who are working in the field of autistic spectrum disorders; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32165/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

333 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that an interdepartmental autistic spectrum disorder working group with parental representation, be established as a sub-committee of the existing interdepartmental co-ordinating committee between her Department and that of Health and Children and that its general remit include the production of a service level agreement to indicate clearly the responsibility, including resources, of each Department, to secure and to implement education provision and support services for persons with autistic spectrum disorders; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32180/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

334 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that at regional level a regional autistic spectrum disorder educational planning and advisory service with parental representation, be created, under the authority of her Department and the National Council for Special Education, administered and managed by a regional special needs organiser, and supported by a multi-assessment planning team, to identify and secure effective provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders within a statutory statement of special educational need, that this regional autistic spectrum disorder educational planning and advisory service be established within each health board region, and work in formal collaboration with the health board autistic spectrum disorder intervention services facilitated by the health board autistic spectrum disorder co-ordinator, in order to ensure the automatic delivery of the necessary support services; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32181/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

335 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that her Department establish an independent review body, with parental representation, in keeping with the recommendations of the report of the planning group, A National Support Service for Special Education for Students with Disabilities of 2000, to intervene in cases when provision is disputed; that the appeals system endorse mediation as the preferred method of resolving disagreement or disputes between parents and statutory bodies and that, in the event of an appeal of a draft statement of need based on the multi-disciplinary assessment, the child remain in an interim placement pending the outcome of the appeal and that the model adopted by the Department of Education and Science be accessible, independent and speedy, operating within the maximum timeframes recommended in this report, that the members of the appeals board be independent and have the expertise in autistic spectrum disorder appropriate education; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32184/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

337 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32187/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

341 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32191/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

342 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32192/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

351 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32201/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

352 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32202/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

353 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32203/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

356 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32219/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

358 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32221/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

360 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32223/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

361 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32224/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

364 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32227/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304, 308, 310 to 315, inclusive, 320, 322, 327, 333 to 335, inclusive, 337, 341, 342, 351 to 353, inclusive, 356, 358, 360, 361 and 364 together.

The Deputy has tabled numerous questions about individual recommendations in the report of the task force on autism. These recommendations provide an invaluable basis for the development of educational services and supports for persons with autism. However, in responding to the recommendations, my Department has had to give priority to a number of key areas before detailed individual recommendations can be addressed. These key areas involve the implementation of the core legislative and structural measures required to underpin service development and delivery. This approach is critical to the implementation of many of the individual recommendations of the task force, including those about assessment, parental involvement, service delivery, information dissemination, promotion of inclusion and co-ordination between health and education authorities.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 has been enacted and the National Council for Special Education has been established on a statutory basis. While these developments represent significant progress, considerable additional input is required before these measures can begin to have a positive impact on services for children with special educational needs, including those with autism. Over the coming months, significant progress will be made in this regard. Specifically, consideration will be given to the detailed measures required to enable the Act to be commenced. In addition, it is intended that the National Council for Special Education will assume operational status in the new year and a range of measures are in hands to ensure that this objective is realised.

These measures include comprehensive supported training for the council's special educational needs organisers and the drawing up of detailed work protocols for the various areas of work for which the council will assume responsibility. This work will be carefully planned and executed over the coming months. It will address many of the recommendations of the task force. Other recommendations will be addressed over time in consultation with the council and other interested parties.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

305 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that schools facilitate and encourage staff to undertake continuing in-career development in order to respond effectively to the needs of children with autistic spectrum disorders; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32142/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

328 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that all professionals working with persons with autistic spectrum disorders should receive on-going training in the distinctive disorders on the autistic spectrum, in general autistic spectrum disorder issues, and in the specific disciplines as related to autistic spectrum disorders; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32166/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

332 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that all staff working with children and families with autistic spectrum disorders receive autistic spectrum disorder specific training, that specialised training be given to educators, parents, siblings and home helps to maximise communicative environments for children, and to reinforce programmes being delivered by the schools and that this training be delivered with expertise in autistic spectrum disorders; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32179/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

340 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32190/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

390 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32264/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

391 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32265/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

393 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32267/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

395 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32269/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

397 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32271/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

398 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32272/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

399 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32273/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

400 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32274/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

401 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32275/04]

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I propose to take Questions Nos. 305, 328, 332, 340, 390, 391, 393, 395 and 397 to 401, inclusive, together.

The task force on autism put forward a range of important recommendations, to which the Deputy refers, in the area of continuing professional development. My Department continues to addresses these recommendations, on a phased basis, through existing supports, through newly established structures and through specific interventions.

Provision for children of pre-school age with autistic spectrum disorders is generally made available through the relevant health authority. My Department's involvement in provision for such children is confined to a few special pre-school class units attached to primary schools. The existing pre-service teacher training courses contain appropriate elements to assist teachers in dealing with the full range of pupils, including those with special educational needs. Discussions with the various colleges of education and universities are ongoing in order to ensure that appropriate responses are made to the continuing needs for all trainee teachers to acquire knowledge of, and familiarity with, the needs of children with special educational needs, including children with autism.

My Department has developed a strategy designed to meet the continuing professional development needs of all school personnel working with children with special educational needs, including children with autistic spectrum disorder. Specifically, the strategy has produced a major expansion of the range of postgraduate professional training programmes; the introduction of a range of new training programmes to provide a mix of intensive induction training and more advanced training in specific areas; and the establishment of the new special education support service, established in September 2003. The increased training provision is specifically designed to address the complex range and variety of training needs in the special education needs area, including autism.

For teachers involved in teaching children with special educational needs, my Department provides annual support for 140 places on a postgraduate diploma programme in special educational needs; 20 places on a postgraduate programme in autism; 16 places on a further education — masters programme in special educational needs; and 160 on the postgraduate programme in learning support. This major increase in postgraduate training places will further increase the number of teachers who have developed their skills in previous years. The new diploma programmes also aim not only to provide development and support at individual teacher level, but also at whole school-staff level.

My Department also funded the development of an applied behaviour analysis training programme in Trinity College Dublin and funded the participation of 12 teachers on the course in 2003-04. The successful participants are now available to the Department, as classroom teachers and as a further training resource. Short-term induction programmes in special educational needs are provided annually by several teacher training colleges — usually two or three courses per college, catering for up to 120 teachers.

My Department put in place, in September 2003, the special education support service to manage, co-ordinate and develop a range of supports in response to identified training needs. This is hosted in Laois Education Centre and is funded by my Department. As part of its response to the growing demand from teachers for support and training, also reflected in the findings of the task force report, the special education support service is developing teams of trainers to deliver training in four specific areas: autism, challenging behaviour, dyslexia and inclusion at post-primary level. This training will be delivered locally across the State through the education centre network.

In addition, the service provides immediate responses to requests from schools for support in a variety of autism-related areas. The service also funds the provision of on-line training courses, including a course on autism, during July and August and during the autumn and spring terms. The service funds approved approaches to the teaching of children with autism such as picture exchange communication system and treatment and education of autistic and related communication handicapped children and the Hanen approach. All courses on autism deal with the application, in an eclectic and child-centred manner, of the range of approved approaches to the teaching of children with autism. One of the conditions of the provision of funding for all courses is that they are evaluated.

In September 2004, my Department, as a joint venture with the Department of Education Northern Ireland, launched the centre for autism, in Middletown, County Armagh. As a model of best practice, the centre will provide a lead for, and offer exemplars of, educational interventions, will provide training for professionals and parents, as well as a research facility and an out-reach support service which will complement developing service provision locally.

The special education needs organisers working under the remit of the National Council for Special Education will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents as well as processing individual applications for resources for special educational needs. However, the organisers have no central role in in-career development of teachers. Nevertheless, contact will be maintained between the council and the special education support service so that best practice and new developments in the special education area can be shared. The role of the newly established teaching council in training courses for teachers remains to be clarified but my officials are engaged on this work.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

306 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that enrolment in classes for children with Asperger’s syndrome or high functioning autism be based on average intellectual ability and cognitive functioning in accordance with DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s syndrome; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which, if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32143/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

336 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that statementing procedures have an in-built review process; if such a recommendation has been carried out; the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32185/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

355 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32218/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

381 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32245/04]

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I propose to take Questions No. 306, 336, 355 and 381 together.

The Deputy has tabled these questions on individual recommendations in the report of the task force on autism. These recommendations provide a valuable basis for the development of educational services and supports for persons with autistic spectrum disorders. In responding to the report of the task force, my Department had to give priority to a number of key areas before detailed individual recommendations could be addressed. These key areas are the core legislative and structural measures that are required to underpin the development and delivery of services to people with autism.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 has been enacted and the National Council for Special Education has been established. Seventy special educational needs organisers are in post and I intend to launch the council on a statutory basis early next year. My department has also established a special education support service which is a service to teachers. The service has identified as a high priority support for teachers of children with autistic spectrum disorders.

These developments represent significant progress and will enable my Department to begin to address many of the individual recommendations of the task force. This work will be carefully planned and executed over the coming months, and will include those recommendations that relate to the definition of autism spectrum disorders, criteria for enrolment in special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome or high functioning autism, assessment, statements of needs and reviews of progress. Other recommendations will be addressed over time in conjunction with the National Council for Special Education and, where appropriate, with other bodies such as the Department of Health and Children.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

307 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that an information leaflet on transport entitlements for students with special needs across a range of educational settings be issued by her Department and that this leaflet be easily accessible and readily available to parents through the mainstream and special schools; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32144/04]

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A booklet is available from my Department entitled School Transport for Children with Special Needs which provides information regarding the scheme. In addition, an information leaflet was launched early in 2003 and circulated to schools. The leaflet assists users of the school transport system, including parents of children with special needs, gain access to the appropriate source of information. This information is also available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

Question No. 308 answered with QuestionNo. 304.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

309 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that there be a flexible continuum of educational options for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders at second level; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32146/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

318 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that she will produce and circulate guidelines on bullying to schools; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32155/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

319 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that the effectiveness of provision for students with autistic spectrum disorders in second level schools be regularly monitored and annually reported on by her Department's inspectorate; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32156/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

321 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that all post primary students with autistic spectrum disorders have access to the most appropriate curriculum and accreditation route to match their ability and direction; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32158/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

323 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that preparation and planning for post second level education be a basic component of a student’s individual education plan at second level; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32160/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

331 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that programmes specific to the disorders in the austic spectrum be established to qualify persons as classroom assistants in colleges and post-secondary training institutions, that there be access to funding for further education and development for classroom assistants and that accredited training courses be established for classroom assistants forming a accreditation ladder to career progression; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32178/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

362 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32225/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

363 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001(details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32226/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

367 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32230/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

369 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32232/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

371 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32234/04]

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Olwyn Enright

Question:

377 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on a recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 (details supplied); if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32240/04]

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I propose to take Questions Nos. 309, 318, 319, 321, 323, 331, 362, 363, 367, 369, 371 and 377 together.

These questions relate to individual recommendations in the report of the task force on autism. These recommendations provide an invaluable basis for the development of educational services and supports for persons with autism. However, in responding to the recommendations, my Department has had to give priority to a number of key areas before detailed individual recommendations can be addressed. These key areas involve the implementation of the core legislative and structural measures required to underpin service development and delivery. This approach is critical to the implementation of many of the individual recommendations of the task force, including those relating to co-ordination between health and education authorities in regard to policy and service delivery, prioritisation in meeting needs, multi-disciplinary assessment, the formulation and review of transition plans, the implementation of support plans for students with Asperger's syndrome or high functioning autism who are completing second level education and moving to the next level.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 has been enacted and the National Council for Special Education has been established on a statutory basis and will soon be operational. A considerable amount of additional input is required before these measures can begin to have a positive impact on services for children with special educational needs, including those with autism. Over the coming months, I expect that significant progress will be made in this regard. Specifically, consideration will be given to the detailed measures required to enable the Act to be commenced. This work will be carefully planned and executed over the coming months. Together with the support of the council it will address many of the recommendations of the task force. Other recommendations will be addressed over time in consultation with the council and other interested parties.

Questions Nos. 310 to 315, inclusive, answered with Question No. 304.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

316 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001, that she urgently review the practice of attaching explanatory notes regarding special arrangements in examinations to a candidate’s certificate results; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32153/04]

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On foot of a Government decision, the State Examinations Commission was established on 6 March 2003 to have statutory responsibility for the operation of the State certificate examinations.

The commission operates a scheme of reasonable accommodations for candidates with special needs in the certificate examinations. The range of accommodations available to candidates includes the use of readers, scribes, tape-recorders and the use of computer technology in certain cases, in addition to decisions at school level regarding rest periods, and use of low vision aids. It is also open to special needs students to apply to have a part of an examination waived and to be marked out of 100% on the balance. Where a student is granted exemption from a particular aspect of assessment, it is the practice to include a reference on the certificate to this effect, for example, "All elements of the examinations were assessed except" the element in question. This only applies where a candidate has been exempted from an element of the examination which is a core assessment element of the specific subject. For example, while issues of spelling and grammar would not be taken account of in subjects such as history or geography, they would form a core element of a language subject, and a certificate would be annotated where a candidate in a language subject was exempt from assessment in spelling. This is in keeping with examination practice in other jurisdictions.

The position was re-examined by my Department in 2002 following the publication of the 2001 report of the task force, but it was considered that the present system maintains an appropriate balance between maintaining a flexible response to the assessment needs of students and the integrity of the certification process for end users of the system. However, my Department will keep the matter under review in consultation with the State Examinations Commission in the light of emerging examinations and equality policies and international trends.

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