Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State indicated, not all schools are volunteering to have ASD units put in place. The numbers of people being assessed as having autism are increasing. Not all will need to be in an ASD unit or special class. Many are in mainstream schools and classes and are thriving. Schools might need more information. The principal had asked if additional finances would be provided for the ASD unit. If the unit was sanctioned and came on stream, would temporary accommodation be provided, for example, if it came on stream for next year, if there was demand in the area? The school is using the school hall as a classroom now. The principal had hoped that they would use that as the unit but now they need a lot more space as their numbers have increased.

It is good to see schools volunteering. There are many schools that do not want to have a unit and students have to be bused out of their areas.

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