Written answers

Tuesday, 8 November 2005

Department of Education and Science

School Staffing

8:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 696: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to staffing requirements for a project (details supplied) in County Kildare for its double autistic unit; when same is likely to be up and running; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33224/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, it is proposed that a double autism unit will be established at the school in question. In this regard, appropriate classroom accommodation has been provided in the school for this purpose.

My officials have been liaising with the school authorities for some time in relation to the resources to be made available to facilitate the operation of the classes. My Department has confirmed that the classes will be capable of catering for up to 12 pupils with autism at a pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1. In addition, two full-time special needs assistants, SNAs, will be allocated to each class. Additional SNAs for the classes may be considered on the basis of the individual assessed needs of the pupils enrolled.

The school authorities submitted a request to my Department for resources over and above those generally provided to schools when establishing such classes. A number of meetings have taken place between the school and officials from my Department with a view to resolving the issues raised by the school. The latest of these meetings took place on 2 June when three officials from my Department met the school's board of management.

At that meeting it was agreed the board would consider the issues discussed and send its views in writing on those issues to the Department. My Department received a response earlier this month and is liaising with the Health Service Executive on the provision of therapeutic services before reverting to the school authority.

The Department is extremely anxious that this purpose-built facility for children with autism would become operational as soon as possible.

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