Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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1427. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry to enable them progress their education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34623/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that Special Schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.

At that point, the Department of Health/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years. My Department, at that stage, may allocate resources towards an education component of such provision.

Special Schools may make an application to my Department to retain pupils over the age of 18 who are pursuing courses leading to accreditation at level 3 or above of the National Qualifications Framework (Junior Certificate/Leaving Certificate Applied/FETAC 3); for one additional year, in order to complete these courses.

Similarly, the DES may also provide sanction to special schools, subject to application, to retain a pupil for one additional year beyond the age of 18 to facilitate the transition of a pupil to adult services.

I understand that an application was made by the school concerned to retain the pupil referred to in this question for an extra year, last year, and that sanction was given to the school to retain this pupil for an additional year in school, for the 2013/14 school year.

This sanction was given for the 2013/14 school year on the basis that the pupil complete any course embarked on and transfer to adult services during the additional school year sanctioned for 2013/14.

The position in relation to an application to continue the education of the individual referred to by the Deputy for an additional school year is being examined by my Department.

Any changes which result from this examination will be notified to the Deputy.