Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the specific accommodation for children with autism first became available at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the reason the teaching and other facilities were not provided; if she will take steps to ensure the immediate provision of such facilities at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11031/07]

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.

The school authorities have been reluctant to open this unit pending clarification of issues. I wish to advise the Deputy that officials from the National Council Special met with the school authorities concerned last week and have updated my Department in this regard. I share the Deputy's desire to see this purpose built facility for children with autism utilised to full potential and given the commitment of all concerned to the unit I am confident of a future resolution of remaining issues.