Vol. 537 No. 2
421 Miss Fox asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will be in a position to decide on a CABAS pilot project for St. Joseph's national school, Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow, for autistic children; when the related report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15926/01]
I met with representatives of the school in question on Thursday last. At that meeting, the representatives of the school drew my attention to a range of concerns relating to the support services available for children with autism attending the school. I have asked my officials to investigate the needs of the school with particular reference to the educational and health care support services required by the school to meet the needs of its pupils with autism. My officials will liaise with the relevant health authorities as part of this exercise. I understand that the task force on autism is nearing the completion of its work and expects to present its report before the end of June 2001.
