Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

John Bruton

Ceist:

192 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the initiatives his Department are implementing to ensure that the CABAS school initiative in Drogheda receives continued funding after August 2004; if students in the school have received inordinate support and have made significant progress as a result of the methods utilised within the school; if the school will receive funding on a continuing basis in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29075/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The facilities operate on a pilot project basis and use alternative educational methods to teach children on the autistic spectrum. Three of the seven are CABAS facilities, whose teaching method involves a comprehensive application of behaviour analysis to a school approach.

A decision regarding the retention of these establishments will be made in light of an evaluation of provision for children with an autistic spectrum disorder currently being carried out by my Department's inspectorate. The outcome of the evaluation will be determined and a decision taken on the future of the facilities during the course of the current school year.

The underlying principle is to ensure that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs.