Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 487: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools specifically for dealing with children with autism she has approved, since she became Minister for Education and Science; if applications to establish final projects and education centres for children with autism have been refused; the criteria upon which such refusals are based; her views on whether these education centres represent the children's best chance to reach their full potential; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24332/06]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of children currently on waiting lists for places in outreach classes in County Kildare for the 2006 to 2007 school year; the number of places which are available to provide for the 2006 to 2007 school year; the way in which it is intended to provide for the shortfall; the role the SENO has in providing places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24511/06]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the educational services available for children with autism in Portmarnock, Malahide, Skerries, Balbriggan, Swords, Donabate, Rush and Lusk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24678/06]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the educational services being provided for children with autism in Portmarnock, Malahide, Skerries, Balbriggan, Swords, Donabate, Rush and Lusk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24679/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 487, 507, 526 and 527 together.

The Deputies are aware that a specific function of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs, including children with autism. 19 additional special classes for autism were sanctioned by the SENOs during the 2005/2006 school year. The NCSE, through the SENOs, will continue to develop and co-ordinate additional provision. Enrolment in special classes attached to mainstream schools and special schools is the responsibility of the relevant Board of Management and my Department would expect that schools would work in partnership with their SENO to address any issues at a local level.

The Deputies will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs. In this regard my Department currently provides the following facilities for the education of children with autism: 162 Special Classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools; 15 pre-school classes; 5 Special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome; and 12 Stand-Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology. Approval has also been given for the establishment of a further two such facilities.

In relation to provision in north county Dublin, I can confirm that there are already many facilities catering for children with autism. There are currently 5 pre-school classes for autism, 12 special classes for children with autism attached to special schools and mainstream schools, 2 special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome plus a range of supports for pupils with autism integrated in mainstream classes located on the north side of Dublin. A pilot scheme facilitated the establishment of 12 specific autism units nationwide, 1 of which is located on the Northside of Dublin.

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason home tuition grants were withdrawn from approximately 90 families who have children who are autistic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24333/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department considers that school-based education provision is the most appropriate intervention for all children including those with special educational needs and has discontinued the practice whereby children who are in full-time education provision would also be able to avail of home tuition grants. The children referred to by the Deputy are enrolled in special schools or special class placements or are attending mainstream schools with additional resource teaching and special needs assistant supports, as appropriate.

I wish to re-iterate that the decision to withdraw home tuition was on the basis that the educational needs of these pupils can be best met in their individual schools. It is open to any parent who may have a concern in relation to the educational supports being delivered in the schools to discuss their concerns with the school in question.