Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 362: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the purpose built special education unit within a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43556/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children included those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs.

Officials from my Department, the National Council for Special Education and the Health Service Executive met with members of the Board of Management of the school in June 2006 in order to progress the opening of the unit and the NCSE has continued to liaise with the school in this regard.

I share the Deputy's desire to see this purpose built facility for children with autism utilized to full potential and have requested the NCSE for an immediate update of progress.