Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will provide ongoing in-service training for teachers directly involved in the running of a proposed special class in a secondary school (details supplied) which will cater for six students on the autistic spectrum; if she will provide the basis for her decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26804/05]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will provide one annual in-service training day for all staff of a secondary school (details supplied) in which it is proposed a special class catering for the needs of six students on the autistic spectrum will be established; if she will not provide the basis for her decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26805/05]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if it is within the mandate of the NCSE to sanction and provide ongoing in-service training for teaching staff who are directly involved in the provision of teaching services to students with autism or Asperger's syndrome; if the sanctioning and provision of such training is within the mandate of the NCSE or where this responsibility lies; the criteria which must be satisfied in order for such training to be made available to schools; the application processes in place for schools and staff members who wish to access such training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26817/05]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if it is within the mandate of the NCSE to sanction and provide a one day in-service training day aimed at aiding integration for all staff members in mainstream schools that cater for, or are willing to cater for the needs of children with autism or Asperger's syndrome; if the sanctioning and provision of such training is not within the mandate of the NCSE, where this responsibility lies; the criteria which must be satisfied in order for such training to be made available to schools; the application processes in place for schools and staff members who wish to access such training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26818/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 515, 516, 522 and 523 together.

My Department established the special education support service, SESS, in September 2003 to develop and provide a range of supports to schools at primary and post-primary levels working with children with special educational needs, SEN. In addition to the range of services and support it provides to teachers and schools, the SESS currently has four teams of trainers in place, two of which are addressing priority SEN areas including whole school staff training for post-primary schools and autism.

The service also provides fee support for teachers on an on-line interactive training programme on autism and a very relevant programme on inclusion. The programmes are scheduled to commence on 17 October and will run until 2 December.

Given the specific nature of the required assistance for the secondary school, it is best that the principal of the school contacts the national co-ordinator of the special education support service to discuss further the in-service needs of the school. As a result, I have asked officials in my Department to facilitate this process.