Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made by the National Council for Special Education in respect of application by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare through her Department for resources and staffing and so on for the double autism unit; the position in this regard; if the matter can be prioritised in view of the fact that this unit was completed and ready for occupation for the past two years and has remained vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38397/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position with staffing requirements for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for its double autistic unit; when same is likely to be up and running; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38398/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.

The Department received a response from the school in question on 1 November 2005 to its proposals for resourcing the proposed autism unit at the school. This response is now being considered within the Department.

The local special educational needs organiser, SENO, is continuing to liaise with the school authorities regarding the matter. The Department is also liaising with the Health Service Executive, HSE, regarding the provision of therapies to support the pupils entering the unit.

The Department has previously confirmed that the classes will be capable of catering for up to 12 pupils with autism at a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. In addition, two full-time special needs assistants, SNAs, will be allocated to each class. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, through the local SENO will process the relevant application for resources following receipt of a formal application from the board of management of the school for the establishment of the classes. Additional SNAs for the classes may also be considered by the SENO on the basis of the individually assessed needs of the pupils enrolled.

I would add that the Department is extremely anxious that this purpose built facility for children with autism would become operational as soon as possible.