Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1368: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress over the summer period regarding the opening of the special autism unit at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, which was completed in 2003; the proposals she has to address the issue at a early date in an effort to resolve matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29619/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy 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 Deputy 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 from my Department, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Health Services Executive (HSE) met with members of the Board of Management of the school on 22nd June 2006 in order to progress the opening of the unit and, since that date, the HSE has been in further contact with the school authorities. The NCSE is continuing to liaise with the school on an ongoing basis in order to progress the situation.