asked the Minister for Health if he will state, further to a reply of 24th November on the subject of educational facilities for autistic children, when he expects the assessment of the work done in the educational unit at St. Loman's, Palmerstown, County Dublin, to be complete; whether the present unit will be maintained in operation while this assessment is being carried out; and at what date he expects facilities for the education of older autistic children to be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Education of Autistic Children.
1.
If the question relates solely to "educational facilities" and "education", it should properly have been addressed to the Minister for Education. Having regard, however, to the reference to an earlier question, on 24th November last, I have assumed that the question relates to the work in general of the unit and consequently I am replying to it on that basis.
The primary object in setting up the special unit for children at St. Loman's Hospital, Ballyowen, was not the provision of educational facilities alone, but the provision of all the necessary forms of specialised care and treatment for the children maintained there. To this end, psychiatric, psychological, nursing, teaching and other services have been provided and the assessment of the experience gained since the opening of the unit will take all these factors into account.
I cannot forecast with certainty when this assessment will be completed or when a special unit for adolescents is likely to be provided; but the existing children's unit will continue to operate while the assessment is being carried out.