Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 489: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 64 of 1 July 2004, the reason she has not met representatives of parents and pupils of persons (details supplied) with Asperger's syndrome; the reason she has not replied to three letters, posted, faxed and hand-delivered to her; if she will set a date for a meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4906/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is actively engaged in pursuing the development of a second level programme for children with Asperger's syndrome on Dublin's north side. I have received a letter, dated 8 December 2004, requesting that I meet the parents' representative group concerned. Diary commitments to date have not made it possible for me to meet this group. However, my Department is finalising a proposal, regarding the establishment of a unit for pupils with Asperger's syndrome, which will issue shortly to a post-primary school on Dublin's north side. As soon as my Department receives a response to this proposal from the school, I will be happy to make arrangements, if so required, for officials within my Department to meet the representative group concerned.