Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2004
254 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application by a person (details supplied) in County Carlow for funding towards their placement at a special school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3319/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have made arrangements for my officials to investigate the matter referred to by the Deputy and contact will be made with the family in question.
255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will be offered a school placement with the Saplings school group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3366/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs. I understand from my officials that the pupil in question is currently enrolled in a special class for autism in a mainstream school in north Dublin. This class has a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 and has the support of two special needs assistants. I further understand that ten hours home tuition per week has been sanctioned for the pupil in question until the end of the current school year.
My Department is actively considering an application from Saplings in Kildare for autistic provision in south County Dublin. My officials are liaising with my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational PsychologicalService, NEPS, in this regard. A response will issue to the applicants as quickly as possible. I understand the pupil referred to by the Deputy is on a waiting list for the Saplings facility. Applications for enrolment in the Saplings project are a matter for the management of the facility.
