Special schools and special classes cater for children aged four to 18 years with a mental disability. Pupils who attend such facilities normally complete their education at the end of the school year following their eighteenth birthday. In exceptional circumstances, my Department is prepared to consider a one year extension for such children where it is felt that significant educational progress will be made as a result of a pupil attending school for an additional year. I have no plans to specify a minimum number of years schooling for these pupils.
I would point out to the Deputy that my Department grant aids the provision of tuition in recognised vocational training centres which operate under the Department of Health and which are designed to cater for the needs of young adults with a mental disability. These vocational training centres provide training programmes which include a continuation of the general and special education received by pupils in special schools and special classes.
My Department also provides funding for a full-time instructor for a vocational training centre in Cork which caters for young adults with a severe or profound mental handicap. I am satisfied that the arrangements currently in place offer a satisfactory response to the education needs of young persons with mental disability following completion of their period in special schools or classes.
