Written answers
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Department of Education and Science
Special Educational Needs
9:00 pm
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 664 of 8 July 2008, the steps he is taking to meet the educational requirements of autistic children; the implications of budget 2009 for these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37372/08]
Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department's current position on the education of children with autism remains the same as I outlined in my response to his question on 8 July 2008. The criteria for allocating additional teaching and/or special needs assistant support for children with special educational needs, including autism, were not changed as part of the budget announcements. The rate of capitation funding payable in respect of special classes for autism attached to mainstream primary schools and special schools for children with autism was significantly increased from €880 per pupil to €986 per pupil.
Since July 2007, officials in my Department have met on a regular basis with Irish Autism Action in relation to the commitment in the current programme for Government to long-term funding for the centres that are in the ABA pilot scheme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable them to be supported as primary schools for children with autism. I am pleased to advise that broad agreement has been reached on the core conditions to enable the centres to be recognised as special schools for children with autism and discussions are ongoing in relation to the due diligence processes in respect of existing contractual arrangements.
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