Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 22 May 2008, the number of the 315 autism classes which have been approved in primary and post primary schools that are up and running; the level of funding provided for those classes; the number of those classes which have been approved for County Clare; the number in County Clare that are up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21766/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.

The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 315 classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level, including many in special schools. All but 33 of these special classes are now up and running, with the unopened classes expected to commence in September this year. 12 of the approved classes are in Co. Clare with 10 of them already open. The remaining classes are due to open in September '08. 6 of these special classes are attached to special schools, while one is attached to a mainstream post-primary school. Once-off special grants of €7,135 are available to schools on the establishment of a special class, while children in a special class qualify for an enhanced capitation rate of €880. Children in these classes may also qualify for transport and escort grants.

Children in these classes benefit from having fully-qualified teachers who have access to training in a range of autism-specific interventions, including Applied Behavioural Analysis, the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children and the Picture Exchange Communication System. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Funding is also provided for assistive technology and specialist equipment as required and special school transport arrangements may also be put in place.