Vol. 544 No. 2
28 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the position that prevails for pupils with special needs and in special schools who wish to remain in school to complete their education after they reach 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28179/01]
Special schools are designated as primary schools and are designed to cater for children with special needs from four years of age until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th birthday. An extension of the period of attendance beyond this point will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and for a maximum period of one year.
Persons with special needs over 18 years have access to a range of age appropriate support services provided by the relevant health authority. These services include 27 vocational training centres which provide a range of programmes for adults with special needs. My Department's current involvement with these centres is confined to an annual allocation of approximately £2.5 million to fund the delivery of tuition in literacy and numeracy for persons attending the centres in the 19 to 25 year age group.
My Department is currently reviewing its overall approach to the educational needs of persons with disabilities over 18 years. The outcome of this review will be reflected in legislation which I propose to introduce shortly. The purpose of this legislation will be to clarify and copperfasten the educational entitlements of persons with disabilities and to streamline procedures to ensure effective service delivery.
