Vol. 576 No. 5
262 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pre-school classes available to children with autism in County Kilkenny and their location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29812/03]
The main responsibility for service provision for pre-school age children with autism rests with the appropriate health authority. However, my Department has established eight pre-school classes, four in Dublin and four in Cork. At present, my Department has not established any pre-school classes for children with autism in the Kilkenny area.
In July, the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2003 was published. The Bill will provide a clear and enforceable statement in law of the rights of children, from birth to under 18 years, and adults who, because of disabilities, including autism, have special educational needs and will propose to put in place a statutory structure, which will guarantee their education. Provision will be made in the Bill for a formal appeals mechanism. The objective would be to secure the passage of this legislation through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
The Department of Education and Science may sanction home tuition grants, where appropriate, for children with autism who are of pre-school age or those who are of school-going age who are awaiting an appropriate school placement.
