I propose to take Questions Nos. 824 to 827, inclusive, 830 to 833, inclusive, and 836 to 839, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that, while there is not a distinct disability category of Asperger's syndrome for resource allocation purposes, such children are generally supported through the resourcing mechanisms which are in place for supporting children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The statutory obligations in relation to the provision of educational services for children and young adults with special educational needs including those with a clinical diagnosis of Autism and Asperger's syndrome are primarily set out under the Education Act (1998) and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.
My Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.
The policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is currently preparing Policy Advice on the Educational Provision for Children with Autism. The NCSE has advised my Department that the Policy Advice will be delivered shortly.
I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of children diagnosed with Asperger's that were/are attending mainstream primary and secondary schools is not available.
Information on the number of children diagnosed with Autism that were attending mainstream primary and secondary schools in 2005 and 2010 is not readily available, but I will arrange for the National Council for Special Education to respond directly to the Deputy with this data.
The number of children diagnosed with Autism that are attending mainstream settings in primary and secondary schools in 2014/15 school year is 5,793 at primary level and 2,946 at post-primary level. In addition, there are 2,585 children with Autism in special classes in mainstream schools.
