Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 547 and 664 of 29 October 2008, the steps he is taking to meet the educational requirements of autistic children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24257/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to advise the Deputy that schools which have enrolled children with autism have access to a wide number of support measures. These include the allocation of teaching and/or care resources by the National Council for Special Education, reduced pupil-teacher ratios, enhanced capitation for special schools and special classes for pupils with autism; provision of funding for assisting technology and specialist equipment and specialist training for teachers in a range of autism specific interventions through the Special Education Support Service. Qualifying pupils may also benefit from special school transport arrangements.

Depending on each pupil's educational need and ability, pupils with autism may be enrolled in a mainstream class with additional teaching and/or care supports where needed; a special class for pupils with autism - this option may provide opportunities for partial integration in line with the pupil's abilities; or in special schools for pupils with autism or which have dedicated special classes for pupils with autism.

My Department also provides early educational intervention for younger pre-school children who have been assessed as having autism. This intervention may take place in one of a number of early intervention classes attached to a school or through the provision of a home tuition grant.