Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
415. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to include a provision in Budget 2014 for the continued education and structured environment for severely disable children over 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38620/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that considerations in relation to Budget 2014 are ongoing and I am therefore not in a position to anticipate any future decisions in this regard. The Deputy will be aware, however, that this Government is committed to the protection of frontline services for pupils with special educational needs. The level of resources devoted to supporting children with Special Educational Needs has been maintained at €1.3 billion this year. This includes provision for 10,575 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), nearly 10,000 Learning Support and Resource Teachers, provision for over 730 Special Classes attached to mainstream schools at reduced pupil teacher ratios, enhanced capitation for special schools and special classes and provision for assistive technology support. The Deputy will also be aware that the Department of Health and Children/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years. My Department may allocate funding towards an educational component of such provision. This is generally transacted through the co-operation hours scheme operated by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) where the local service provider makes application to the relevant VEC for tuition hours. My Department also provides funding to the National Learning Network for this purpose. As such, students can continue to participate in educational programmes through further adult educational programmes or in adult settings. Young adults with disabilities are also eligible to access FÁS mainstream services. For 2013, the FÁS budget includes a provision for €52m which will support around 3,300 specialist vocational training places for people with disabilities, who do not avail of the mainstream options, through Specialist Training Providers (STPs). Learners on Specialist Training programmes have the opportunity to participate in training ranging from FETAC level 3 to level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). All training programmes delivered through these interventions address both the generic and vocational skills requirements of participating learners. Specialist training offers additional supports to learners which include individualised training and progression plans, literacy and numeracy support, longer training duration, adapted equipment, transport arrangements, enhanced programme content and enhanced trainer/learner ratio. The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme also provides a third level admissions scheme for school leavers who have a disability or specific learning difficulty. Students who are considered to be DARE eligible may secure a college place on a reduced points basis. Details of the DARE scheme are available at www. accesscollege.ie. Additional supports for young adults with special educational needs are also provided by Disability Officers in third level colleges.
