Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to extend and improve facilities in mainstream education for children with autism; if he has evaluated precisely such needs at various schools here; the extent to which he has received representations from school authorities setting out their optimum requirements; when he expects to meet in full such needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19513/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number and location of primary schools in County Kildare at which special facilities have been provided for children with autism; the number of children attending in each case; the extent to which the facilities in question are adequate to meet requirements; if he has proposals for augmentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19514/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.

The Deputy is aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can access 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. My Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including TEACCH, PECS and ABA through the Special Education Support Service. The support service facilitates a partnership approach involving support teams of practising teachers, Education Centres, the Inspectorate, the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the National Council for Special Education, Third Level Colleges, Health Board Personnel, Teacher Unions and other relevant bodies and services.

Parents of children with autism have three distinct choices available to them depending on the needs of the child. Their child can attend a mainstream class in their local school with additional supports as required, they can attend a special class in a mainstream school or they can attend a special school. While some children with autism can thrive in a mainstream class, special classes in both mainstream and special schools have been specifically designed to meet the needs of those who require more intensive support. My Department's Inspectorate carried out an Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) which was published in 2006. The report looked at the education that is provided for children with autism in a variety of settings nationwide, including mainstream classes supporting children with autism. I am satisfied with the current policy of providing schools who have special classes for children with autism with qualified teachers, low pupil teacher ratios, a minimum of two special needs assistants per class, access to professional development as well as training courses in autism specific interventions, enhanced capitation and grants for specialist equipment and furniture, if required, together with special school transport arrangements. Educational provision in schools will be generally augmented by my intention to continue the recruitment of additional NEPS psychologists.

The Deputy will be also be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to special and mainstream schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have asked the council to supply the Deputy directly with the location of primary schools in County Kildare with special facilities for children with autism. However, the number of children attending in each case may not be readily available.