Vol. 566 No. 3
264 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can remain for a further year at Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala national school in Donegal Town, in view of the sound educational and care considerations involved and the benefits derived from attending the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12821/03]
Special schools and special classes funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from four years of age until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year. The Department of Health and Children has direct responsibility for provision for young adults over 18 years of age with special needs. My Department provides funding towards the appropriate education component of such provision.
An official from my Department was in contact with the parents of the person referred to by the Deputy recently and clarified the position as outlined above. My Department has also written to the school authorities and the Department of Health and Children clarifying the position. It is my intention to bring forward legislation similar to the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2002 setting out the entitlement to education services of persons with special educational needs including those who have exceeded 18 years of age. My objective is to secure the passage of this legislation through the Oireachtas before the summer recess.
