Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:29 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the percentage of children with a mental or physical disability who are currently attending integrated schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2542/95]
Vol. 448 No. 6
29 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the percentage of children with a mental or physical disability who are currently attending integrated schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2542/95]
54 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, her Department has to assist children with disability to integrate into mainstream schooling. [2602/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 54 together.
My Department does not keep a record of the number of children with disabilities who are attending ordinary national schools. However, a survey conducted in 1992 on behalf of the Special Education Review Committee indicated that 14 per cent of children with a mental disability are enrolled in mainstream classes; the equivalent figure for children with physical disabilities is 75 per cent.
Comparable data is not currently available for second-level schools.
It is my policy to encourage the maximum possible level of inclusion of children with disabilities into ordinary schools. However, the pace of development and the degree to which this inclusion can be achieved will vary depending on the specific and evolving needs of the children concerned and the availability of resources.