Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the purpose built classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for children with autism spectrum disorder remain closed years after they were constructed; the number of children who are on a waiting list for the places at this school; the resources which are being sought by the school to enable them to open the unit; the resources her Department are offering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20110/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress following her Department's correspondence to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in March 2006; when the autism unit will be opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20221/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 291 together.

The Deputies will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs. The unit referred to by the Deputies which is designed to cater for up to 12 pupils was completed in 2003. Such an enrolment would attract a staffing allocation of 2 full time teachers and 4 Special Needs Assistants. Officials in my Department are liaising between the BOM of the school, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Health Services Executive (HSE) to progress the opening of the unit. Staffing ratios, the provision of appropriate therapies by the HSE, grant aid to address administration costs are amongst the issues under active negotiation.

I share the Deputy's desire to see this purpose built facility for children with autism utilized to full potential and given the commitment of all concerned to the unit I am confident of a future resolution of remaining issues.