Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will increase the number of places available at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in view of the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32194/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the ABACAS autism specific facility, based in Kilnamanagh, that has been established to cater for children on the autistic spectrum on a pilot basis. I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not received a formal request from this centre for additional funding to increase the number of places available for children with autism. Any application received will be considered in the context of autism provision already available and in the context of my Department's preference to provide appropriate provision through the recognised primary, special and post-primary school network. My Department's preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism, is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools, a view that is supported by the findings of the Task Force Report on Autism.