Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 May 2014
55. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the State's current statutory obligations regarding the provision of educational services for children and young adults clinically diagnosed with autism and Asperger's syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23439/14]
View answerThe statutory obligations in relation to the provision of educational services for children and young adults with special educational needs including those with a clinical diagnosis of Autism and Aspergers syndrome are primarily set out under the Education Act (1998) and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004. My Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. The policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is currently preparing Policy Advice on the Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The NCSE has advised my Department that the Policy Advice will be delivered in the spring of 2015 and will draw upon findings gathered from an extensive consultation process which has already commenced. I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.
