Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
384 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if services are provided under the aegis of his Department to persons with mental health difficulties; if for the purposes of any such services persons with mental health difficulties are regarded as children until the age of 16 and as adults thereafter; if he will ensure that the age of adulthood in all such ages is set at 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21545/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it the Deputy is referring to persons with special educational needs.
In that regard, the established practice is for my Department to make educational provision for such persons up to and including the school year in which they reach 18 years of age. Depending on the assessed needs of the person, such provision may be made in special schools or special classes or in mainstream primary or post-primary schools. Teaching support, care and specialised equipment are provided as appropriate.
The position is now underpinned by statute. The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 states unequivocally that the special educational needs of children must be met as a matter of legal right. For the purposes of the Act, a child is defined as a person who is less than 18 years.
