Brian O'Shea
Ceist:332 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to advance the case for those with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13193/02]
Written Answers. - Autism Services.
Children with autism have access to a range of special support services. To date, some 90 special classes dedicated to children with autism have been established within the primary sector. Each such class operates at a maximum pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1 and each class also has the support of at least two special needs assistants. Further such classes are being established on an ongoing basis in response to assessed needs. In addition, my Department is currently funding five projects, which are delivering an applied behavioural analysis model of response to children with autism.
Children who have special needs, including children with autism attending mainstream schools, are generally catered for with the support of a resource teacher and special needs assistant services. The level of support provided in any particular case is determined by the professionally assessed needs of the individual child. While children are awaiting a suitable educational placement, my Department may sanction home tuition as an interim measure if appropriate.
The report from the task force on autism has presented a comprehensive range of proposals for the future development of services for children with autism. This report, which is currently being considered in my Department, will make an important contribution to the further development of services in this area.
Michael Ring
Ceist:333 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason full funding is not being given to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo for its special needs students. [13194/02]
Enhanced capitation grants are paid by my Department in respect of children with special needs who attend special schools or special classes dedicated to children with particular special needs. On 14 June 2002, the school account of Glencastle national school was credited by electronic fund transfer with the second moiety of the capitation grant in respect of the current school year. The enhanced rate of capitation grant was paid in respect of seven pupils. The school received €6,090 in respect of the standard rate of capitation grant payable in respect of 58 pupils, and a further amount of €3,779 in enhanced grants payable in respect of seven pupils with special needs. A letter detailing the breakdown of the amount of capitation grant paid to the school in respect of the current school year is expected to issue to the school this week.
I understand that the payment referred to by the Deputy was being made by the Western Care Association, John Moore Road, Castlebar, County Mayo.