Vol. 441 No. 3
34 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, his Department has to consult with the Department of Education with a view to the provision of specialised class facilities for autistic children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The provision of educational facilities for children with autism, in the first instance, is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Education.
The report of the Special Education Review Committee recommended that educational provision for children with autism, who have been identified in accordance with accepted criteria, should continue to be made in special schools for pupils with emotional and behaviourial disorders, other types of special schools and ordinary schools, as appropriate. The committee did not recommend the provision of a dedicated special school facility for children with autism.
I understand, however, that more recently representatives of the Irish Society for Autism met with officials of the Department of Education and put the case to them for such a facility. This proposal is being examined by the Department of Education at present. I am awaiting the outcome of this examination.
