Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he will continue to fund the autism unit for the Clogherinkoe/Derriiturn area of County Kildare in view of the ongoing and particular need for same under the present economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6884/09]

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 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.

The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 345 classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level, including many in special schools.

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 (ABA), the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). 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.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision to close the mild general learning disability services at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6695/09]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision to close the mild general learning disability services at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6736/09]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a case (details supplied). [6774/09]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [6775/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 258, 261 and 262 together.

The Deputies will be aware that all primary schools have been allocated additional teaching resources to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). All primary schools were given these additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model of learning support/resource teaching introduced in 2005. Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

The Deputies will be aware that allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however allows for a small reduction in this number and permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. In the schools in question, the number of pupils dropped below this minimum. These schools therefore are no longer entitled to the teaching posts in these classes.

In 2005 when the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes. Effectively, these schools received a double allocation. The number of these special classes has decreased over the years and schools have integrated the children into age-appropriate mainstream classes.

All of the other primary schools in the country who do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model.