Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will honour his promise of a permanent integrated autistic unit at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; when he expects to have this facility in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17253/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for the establishment of special classes for children with autism and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE will continue to establish additional autism classes where the need arises in both special schools and mainstream schools. I have arranged for the details requested by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a home tuition grant in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [17256/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that as home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the child concerned. My Department's qualification preference is for a fully qualified teacher. If parents cannot recruit a fully qualified teacher, some alternative qualifications are acceptable including certain Montessori qualifications. Details in this regard are published on my Department's website. Home tuition is sanctioned until July 2008 for the child in question. On the basis of the information provided to date, the qualifications of the nominated replacement tutor do not meet theminimum requirements. My officials are in contact with the family in relation to thismatter.