Autism Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019

Wednesday, 6 March 2019

Questions (12)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

12. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the process for parents should they wish to request that their child’s primary or post-primary school apply on their behalf to his Department to open an ASD class in that school; the way in which the decision on whether or not to make an application for additional resources to open an ASD class is arrived at between parents and a school; the way in which the request is then processed by his Department and the NCSE; the requirements that determine if a school is successful in its application; the follow-up carried out by his Department and the NCSE with a school that is in receipt of funding for an ASD class for their school; the way in which the progress of that class is assessed in view of the funding received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10933/19]

Oral answers (4 contributions)

Deputy Kathleen Funchion

I appreciate the Acting Chairman trying to squeeze this question in. I will be very brief. It is the only comment I will be able to make on the question. It is very similar to the first question I asked in respect of ASD classes. Last year the then Minister, Deputy Bruton, announced that the Department would have powers to compel a school to open an ASD class. If a group of parents sees that there is a need and a demand in their area, what is the process, from the first step to the last, they should go through to request such a class? If the Minister does not have time to answer that question, perhaps he could provide a written answer or we could follow up on it when we are talking about the National Council for Special Education, NCSE.

Deputy Joe McHugh

I am happy to do that. The answer I have is a stock answer similar to the answer to the Deputy’s earlier question. It is very similar so I will not read it. We will pass on the answer. We have work to do in this area. The approach the Deputies in this House have taken since Christmas has been to table a range of parliamentary questions in this area. Even though we are spending nearly €1.8 billion and even though the number of classes has increased from nearly 500 to 1,500, we are looking at enormous challenges in this area. I see it as a massive opportunity for our country. I know that is why the Deputy is raising the issue today. The whole area of inclusion and of ensuring that everybody gets an opportunity to get into the workforce and to avail of lifelong learning opportunities presents a massive opportunity. I will stay in touch on this issue. The Deputy is correct that classes can be requested if parents come together to demand one, but ultimately it is the board of management that makes the decision.

Deputy Kathleen Funchion

That is where the difficulty lies.

Deputy Joe McHugh

I am not a person for the bata mór, the big stick. Telling schools what to do is not my approach but, if we continue to highlight the great work going on in the schools that have special classes, people will see the benefits not just for the young people with special needs, but for the children around them. When that is in operation it is an enriching environment in which to be. We are spending €1.8 billion and providing 1,500 special classes. We also need to remain committed to the special schools. That is something of which I am conscious. Some parents should still be afforded the choice of their child attending a special school. While some parents would prefer a mainstream school, we have to protect that option.

Written Answers are published on the Oireachtas website.