Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 477: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Question No. 1616 of 27 January 2009, if he will report on the status of a project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25696/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that special schools are recognised as providing educational services to children with various disabilities. It is important that schools are sufficiently flexible in their abilities to be able to provide an appropriate education for all children within the particular category of disability. This flexibility requires all schools to be able to draw on a range of interventions and approaches rather than to give priority to one particular methodology. Recognition will not therefore be given to special schools which do not draw on a range of interventions and approaches. The Deputy will be aware that one of the functions of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is to ensure that a continuum of special educational provision is available as required in relation to each type of disability. The NCSE has established a nationwide network of special classes for children with autism in primary, post-primary and special schools. The NCSE will continue to establish additional special classes as necessary. Further to Question No. 1616 of 27 January 2009, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the centres in question have applied to my Department to be recognised as special schools. My Department is awaiting further documentation in relation to these applications.