Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

In respect of the autism units which are attached to mainstream schools, the ratio is six children to one teacher and two special needs assistants. This is exactly what is on offer to the Educate Together school in Celbridge. I share the Deputy's annoyance as to why a purpose-built unit for children with autism in this school has not been opened, but the fault does not rest with the Department. It is crucially important that the school opens this facility because the Deputy is right in saying there are children who would be able to benefit from it.

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