Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
387 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; the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32254/04]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.
394 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; the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32268/04]
View answerMy Department established the special education support service, SESS, to support schools and teachers working in the area of special education. The management of challenging behaviour is one of four areas prioritised for immediate attention by this service. During the past year the SESS has been planning interventions in conjunction with the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, and other relevant experts in this area. A consultative conference involving the principals of special schools was convened in November 2004 with a view to identifying supports that needed to be put in place in schools in regard to the management of challenging behaviour.
Follow-up actions involving NEPS and other relevant agencies are currently being progressed to meet both the immediate and longer term needs that were identified at this meeting.
