Written Answers. - Disabled Pupils Education Policy.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:
62
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Education
her policy in respect of the integration of children with a mental handicap into the ordinary school system; the special facilities, if any, required in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[17995/96]
Ivor Callely
Ceist:
117
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Education
the resources, if any, that have been made available to integrate children with a physical disability into the ordinary school system; if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate resources available; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[18136/96]
Ivor Callely
Ceist:
118
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Education
the resources, if any, that have been made available to integrate children with a mental handicap into the ordinary school system; if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate resources available; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[18137/96]
Ivor Callely
Ceist:
119
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Education
her policy in relation to the integration of children with a physical disability into the ordinary school system; the special facilities, if any, which will be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[18138/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 117, 118 and 119 together.
The White Paper on Education, Charting our Education Future, sets out the Government's policy for the provision of suitable education services for pupils with disabilities, both in an integrated environment and in special educational facilities. The fundamental objective is to ensure to the maximum possible extent that all children with disabilities will have access to suitably resourced education services in their own areas within the ordinary school system. The Deputy will appreciate that the degree to which integration can be achieved will depend on the specific and evolving capacities of the individual children involved.
The White Paper sets out details of proposed strategies for the achievement of this objective, including the establishment of a national data base to facilitate the planning of provision for all students with disabilities, the designation of a number of ordinary primary schools as centres where children with particular disabilities may be educated, an expanded role for existing special schools dealing with a variety of disabilities, and the setting up of curriculum development projects for students with special educational needs.
The White Paper envisages that, following their establishment, the education boards will have statutory responsibility to ensure that adequate educational provision is made for all students with disabilities in their areas. Each student with a disability will be assigned to the nearest appropriate special school in the region, whether or not s/he attends the school. An action plan to arrange for the implementation of the White Paper proposals is being prepared by my Department. It is envisaged that the proposals will be implemented over a number of years as resources allow.
The special educational needs of pupils with less serious physical or mental disabilities are generally capable of being met within the ordinary school system, with the assistance, where necessary, of remedial, resource or visiting teachers. A total of 1,188 remedial teachers, 36 resource teachers and 39 visiting teachers are currently in place in the primary system.
Where more serious disabilities are involved, arrangements can be made for placement in one of the 272 special classes or 106 special schools which are available to cater for children with special needs. Each of these facilities is dedicated to meeting the needs of particular disability groups. Each facility enjoys a special reduced pupil teacher ratio and attracts special rates of capitation funding.
My Department also provides capital funding towards the cost of facilities such as special toilets and wheelchair ramps, in order to facilitate access for special needs students, as well as funding for other special materials and equipment.
