John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the supports which her Department will put in place to assist a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if her Department will take a proactive approach in meeting this person's needs; if a report on their needs is already available; if not, if one will be arranged immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5746/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education through local special educational needs organisers will process resource applications for children with special educational needs. The National Council for Special Education has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post-primary school, it is open to the school to apply to the local SENO for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil.

My Department has recently issued circular letter PPT 01/05 advising the authorities of post-primary schools of the arrangements put in place as a result of the transfer of these functions to the NCSE. I am confident that the establishment of the National Council for Special Education will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require when and where they require it.

James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that Ennis is one of the largest centres of population in County Clare with no provision for education for children and teenagers suffering from autism, she will provide facilities at one of the schools in Ennis as a matter of extreme urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5766/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs.

There are three special classes catering for pupils with autism in mainstream primary schools in County Clare as well as three special classes in special schools in the county. My Department has received an application to establish an additional special class for autism from a primary school in County Clare. My officials are liaising with the National Educational Psychological Service regarding the application and a decision will be conveyed to the school as soon as this process has been completed.