Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is intended to provide financial support and assistance to ensure the continued operation of the full range of facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her views on the commitments, the ongoing needs and the future requirements of children and adults in this category; her further views on the need to make substantially increased provision in the future in view of the expected requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11041/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The special school referred to by the Deputy is a designated school for pupils with a moderate general learning disability. The school currently has significant educational resources. The staffing level consists of a principal, 8 teachers and 21 special needs assistants supporting 44 pupils aged between 5 and 18 years. Students progress through the school from the primary to post-primary classes in accordance with their ages, normally transferring to post-primary level at age twelve/thirteen. The provision of therapy support for pupils in the school is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

Special schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special education needs (SEN) from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year. The Department of Health and Children assumes responsibility for young adults with SEN who are over 18 years. The Department of Education & Science provides funding towards the education component of such provision.

My Department recognises the unique contribution of special schools to the education of children with SEN and is committed to further developing this area. For example, my announcement in November 2006 of a 30% increase in the already-enhanced capitation rates in respect of pupils attending special schools and special classes in mainstream schools, is a clear demonstration of my commitment to supporting the important role of special schools.

I can confirm that my Department has commenced a review of special schools and special classes attached to mainstream schools. The initial part of the review, which commenced in 2006, was undertaken on behalf of my Department by St Patrick's College, Drumcondra. One of the purposes of the review is to examine how the role and potential of special schools can be optimised. The second phase of the review will be managed by the National Council for Special Education and will involve wider consultation with the schools and other partners.

As you may also be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special needs supports, including special needs assistant (SNA) support and financial support towards assistive technology that may be required. The NCSE through the local SENO remains available to all schools to provide support and advice on matters relating to the SEN of children.

My Department will continue to prioritise the development of the network of special educational provision for children with SEN and I believe that the steps taken in recent years and those currently in hand represent significant progress in the development of those services.