Written Answers Nos. 1 - 122
121. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the methods that are in place within the education system to ensure that international best practice is being implemented for children with autism within the education system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8777/15]
View answerMy Department's policy is to promote a child-centred approach to education of all children with special educational needs including those with autism. This approach is based on advice received from international experts on autism, NEPS, the Inspectorate and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism.
The National Council Special Education (NCSE) is currently at an advanced stage in the preparation of policy advice on the education of children with autism.
The NCSE policy advice will be delivered in the coming months and will reflect findings gathered from an extensive consultation process with parents, schools, professional service providers and other stakeholders.
The advice will draw upon new research commissioned by the NCSE for this purpose, and other research which the NCSE may wish to consider.
I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views, both National and International and will provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.
122. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will introduce a travel allowance for participants of the Momentum scheme, in view of the fact that the lack of an allowance is creating hardship and preventing take-up of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4989/15]
View answerThe awarding of travel allowances to participants on the Momentum Programme was discussed between my Department, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform when the programme was being designed. However, in order to ensure the greatest provision of much needed places on the programme with the available financial resources, it was decided that no additional payments would be paid beyond the retention of social welfare benefits.
Arrangements are in place for the monitoring and evaluation of the programme. The range of issues impacting on the operation of the programme, including the experience of participants, will be borne in mind in considering the development of future programmes.
