Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given with the provision of a permanent site for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12677/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The facility referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of facilities, operating on a pilot basis, that use alternative educational methods for teaching children on the autistic spectrum. Generally speaking, where new facilities or schools are established and gain temporary recognition from my Department, the school authorities are responsible for securing interim accommodation. The cost of such temporary accommodation is grant aided by my Department. The question of the acquisition of a site or the provision of permanent accommodation under my Department's capital building programme does not arise until such time as permanent recognition has been secured. This is to ensure that the school is sustainable on a long-term basis before capital is invested. Officials in my Department remain available to discuss any concerns that the authorities of the facility in question may have on existing or future accommodation needs.