Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provision and courses for personal development and education that are available to a young person with autism after they attain the age of 18 years recognising their special needs and the desirability of developing their potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13743/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that a variety of options are in place for young persons, including those with special education needs, to continue with educational provision after the age of 18.

My Department provides funding to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) nationwide for a range of part-time and full-time accredited and non-accredited further and adult education programmes which are open to all learners, including those with special educational needs.

The Adult Literacy Programme provides basic education including reading, writing and numeracy skills, and ICT for adults who wish to improve their literacy and numeracy competencies to enhance their functional participation in personal, social and economic life. The Community Education programme provides education and learning, generally outside the formal education sector, with the aims of enhancing learning, empowerment and contributing to civic society.

Funding is also provided to VECs to support local community-based education groups outside the formal education sector and is usually allocated through the provision of teaching hours, or small grants, to a range of community and voluntary groups for educational activities.

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme provides a third level admissions scheme for school leavers who have a disability or specific learning difficulty. Students who are considered to be DARE eligible may secure a college place on a reduced points basis. Details of the DARE scheme are available at www. accesscollege.ie.