Vol. 511 No. 1
186 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when grant assistance will be given to autistic children at Scoil Mhichíl Naofa national school, Stanhope Place, Athy, County Kildare, for the purchase of computers with touch screens for non-verbal pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23742/99]
The school referred to by the Deputy has two special classes for pupils with autism which were established in September, 1998. My Department allocated a grant of £3,000 to the school in the last academic year to assist with the equipment needs of these classes. The school also received a special grant of £2,160 for computer equipment for special classes, under the IT 2000 initiative in 1998.
My Department is currently assessing applications for equipment for special needs pupils in primary schools.
The needs of the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
