Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 264: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of children with autism attending schools with suitable facilities; the extent to which such facilities are required throughout the country at present; when she expects to meet such requirements in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7118/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 265: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action she proposes to take to meet in full the educational requirements of children with autism throughout the country; the time-scale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7119/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 265 together.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs. In relation to specific provision for children with autism, my Department considers that as each child with autism is unique, they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs. Appropriate placement options include enrolment in mainstream school, with or without support, enrolment in a special autism class attached to a mainstream school or in an autism class in a special school.

In terms of autism provision across the country, my Department will continue to work to ensure that all children can have access to a broad programme, with provision for particular methodologies as appropriate, in special classes. In excess of 277 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country, while more are being set up all the time. The National Council for Special Education will continue to expand the number of such classes as necessary to meet demand.

In relation to associated facilities the Deputy will be aware that during the period of the last National Development Plan 2000-2006 my Department accelerated the school building programme with record levels of investment and the streamlining of delivery systems. An aggregate total of well over €2.6 billion was invested in upgrading existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first and second-level, including the provision of facilities for autism and other special needs pupils. This programme delivered over 7,800 building projects. The overall investment in school building infrastructure over the lifetime of the new NDP will be €4.5 billion, including almost €600 million for the school building programme in 2008. Generally projects required for special needs pupils receive a high degree of priority in my Department.