John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the process for children with intellectual disabilities transitioning from second level education will be reassessed; his views on new measures to implement an earlier programme of transition via a pilot rehabilitative training transition programme between the HSE and the National Council for Special Education; if a comprehensive programme of career guidance services within the educational system for young persons with special needs who leave the special school system will be supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21981/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Transitions at all stages and levels including starting school; the move from primary to post-primary school; moving between mainstream and special school settings and preparation for life after school can be a difficult time for all parents and students, including those with special educational needs.

My Department has committed itself to a range of actions aimed at supporting effective transition from school to further or higher education and adult disability services, in order to ensure that students with disabilities can be supported to plan for their futures. This requires information on the options and supports, as well as ensuring schools, families, other Government Departments and Agencies work together to ensure the needs of students can be reasonably met.

My Department, together with the NCSE, SOLAS, Education and Training Boards (ETBs), HSE, Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection among others have key roles to play in delivering on various actions to enable achievement of key strategic priorities, including transition from school to further or higher education and adult disability services.

I understand that the context of the proposal to develop a Rehabilitative Training Transition Programme between NCSE and HSE stems from a review of the HSE's current Rehabilitation Programme. I am pleased that a meeting between NCSE and HSE will be convened shortly to discuss how this might be advanced.

The Career Guidance Review, which is currently underway, is examining existing career guidance tools and career information for all post-primary/further education/higher education students and adults, currently in place across the education and training system in Ireland.