Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

There has been a particular focus in recent years on improving services for children with autism. In the past year alone, approximately 100 additional special classes for autistic children were set up, bringing the total number to almost 280. In addition, my Department has also, in consultation with educational interests, developed a model of general teacher allocation for pupils in the high incidence disability categories of mild and borderline mild general learning disability and dyslexia. This model was designed to put in place a permanent resource in primary schools to cater for pupils in these categories. The model was constructed so that allocations would be based on pupil numbers, taking into account the differing needs of the most disadvantaged schools and the evidence that boys have greater difficulties than girls in this regard. There are a number of advantages to using a general allocation model. First, it reduces the need for individual applications and supporting psychological assessments. Second, it ensures that children can be given help at a much earlier stage as the resource will already be in the school. Third, it gives schools more certainty about their resource levels. Finally, inclusion is the desire of the vast majority of parents and my Department is providing the necessary supports in schools throughout the country to facilitate this wherever possible. There are four special schools among the list of schools that are planned to open in September. How am I doing on time?

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