Written answers
Tuesday, 21 February 2017
Department of Education and Skills
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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184. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to extend the July provision scheme for autistic children to children with Down's syndrome in 2017, in view of their urgent need for such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8147/17]
Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to examine the adequacy of current special education access and funding provision.
In addition the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders was published in July 2016.
In developing this policy advice, the NCSE reviewed the Department's July Provision scheme. The NCSE consulted widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties while also conducting research. The Policy advice is available on the NCSEs website www.ncse.ie
The policy advice recommends that relevant stakeholders should discuss the development of an national, day activity scheme that provides a structured, safe, social environment for all students with complex special educational needs for one month of the summer holidays.
My officials will engage with officials in the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Health and other relevant stakeholders in regard to implementing this recommendation. There are no immediate plans to extend the existing July Provision Scheme while this process is ongoing.
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