Brendan Howlin
Question:144 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to improve services to autistic children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26468/00]
Vol. 526 No. 3
144 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to improve services to autistic children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26468/00]
I am committed to ensuring that all children with autism have access to the support services they require within the education system.
In keeping with this commitment, I recently announced a range of new measures to enhance the quality and range of special education services available for children with autism. These measures include the immediate introduction of a nationwide pre-school education service for all children with autism; the extension of the school year through the month of July in the case of all special facilities catering for children with autism; and a doubling of the level of special needs assistant cover provided to each special class catering for children with autism.