I am aware of the case referred to by Deputy. The child in question is three years of age and my Department sanctioned ten hours per week home tuition on 30 April 2003. The home tuition scheme is intended to cater for children who are unable to attend school on a regular basis because of a grave medical ailment. It may also be provided for children who are awaiting an appropriate educational placement. The responsibility for procuring the tutor rests with the parent-guardian and my Department plays no part in this process.
All children of school going age with special education needs within the primary school system, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, ASD, have an automatic entitlement to a response to their needs. The special educational needs of children with ASD can be addressed in special dedicated schools, in special dedicated classes attached to ordinary schools, or on an integrated basis in ordinary schools. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each case are based on the professionally-assessed needs of the individual child. Many children at primary school level with disorders on the autistic spectrum are capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of resource teachers and or special needs assistants.
Where the level of the condition is of a more serious nature provision is made by way of special schools or special classes attached to ordinary schools. All such facilities receive enhanced capitation grants and operate at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. Special needs assistant support is also provided, where required. There are currently 115 such classes for pupils with autism in the primary system. This includes three special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome, which is on the autistic spectrum.
There are seven facilities in the State using alternative educational methods for teaching children on the autistic spectrum. A decision on the future of these pilot projects will be taken in light of a valuation of provision for children with ASD currently being carried out by my Department's inspectorate. The evaluation process will also include educational services for children with autism in other settings such as special schools, special classes and in mainstream schools. It is envisaged that this process will be completed later this year.
Question No. 316 answered with Question No. 308.