Written question asked by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Monday, 16 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 June 2003. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 June 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how much money has been allocated by the Department of Education in each of the last five years to Education and Library Boards in Northern Ireland to address the requirements of those who suffer from autism.

Answer: Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been allocated by the Department of Education in each of the last five years to Education and Library Boards in Northern Ireland to address the requirements of those who suffer from autism. [120106] Jane Kennedy: The Department of Education gives Education and Library Boards a block grant each year from which they fund the various services they provide. Within their block grant Boards establish their own spending priorities and this includes their spending on Special Educational provision. Special Education Budgets do not specify expenditure on particular areas of Special Educational Need and for this reason, it is not possible separately to identify funding allocations for provision for children with Autism. Children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder can receive appropriate provision in Special Schools, Units or mainstream schools. Support in mainstream schools can include classroom assistance, support from ASD Advisory Officers or specialist peripatetic teacher support.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 120106; 407 c707-8W;407 c711-2W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Autism Finance Education Libraries Northern Ireland Local education authorities
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk