Vol. 533 No. 6
462 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to have schools open for the month of July 2001 as outlined in his announcement of 16 October 2000 on foot of the Sinnott Judgment; and if not, if funds will be made available to allow parents of children with autism pay for private tuition under the home tuition scheme or some other scheme. [9858/01]
My Department is currently engaged in planning for the extension of education programmes through the month of July in the case of all special facilities catering for children with autism. It is intended that this extension of service will take place from July 2001 onwards.
All classes catering for children with autism during the July period will operate at a maximum pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1 and each class will also have the support of two special needs assistants. In this way there will be three special needs persons for each class of six pupils with autism.
