Vol. 500 No. 4
404 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school for children with autism will be set up in County Westmeath; if sanction will be given for this school at the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4406/99]
410 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the number of primary school children in County Westmeath who have been diagnosed autistic; the specialist facilities, if any, available in this county for these children; and if he will make a statement regarding the plans, if any, he has for the provision of facilities. [4464/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 410 together.
My Department has been notified of a number of cases involving children with autism in the County Westmeath area for whom special educational provision has been requested. Until recently, such children were catered for in a number of special schools, including schools for children with mild learning disability and schools for children with emotional or behavioural disorders. However, I recently announced my Department's decision to formally recognise the distinct educational needs of certain children with autism. Arising from this decision, arrangements are being made to establish special dedicated classes to cater for the children in question. Each such class will operate at a special pupil teacher ratio of 6 to 1 and each class will also have the support of a special needs assistant.
