Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2007

Wednesday, 26 September 2007

Ceisteanna (705)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

801 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the precise procedures, services or facilities including support services for the parents of children suffering from autism; the precise enhancements, made in this regard in the past six months; if and when she expects one stop shop facilities including diagnosis, advice and support is expected to become available to parents thereby alleviating the burden and responsibilities thrust upon them at present in regard to these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20833/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

I wish to clarify that my Department provides funding for the education of children with autism through the primary and post-primary school system, rather than any specific support services being provided for parents. Parents may contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) directly to discuss their child's special educational needs using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

The Deputy is aware that the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local SENOs, for the establishment of special classes for autism and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO.

The matter of diagnosis and therapy supports is an issue for the Health Service Executive.