Jimmy Deenihan
Question:100 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the task force report on autism will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16532/01]
Written Answers. - Task Force on Autism.
Gay Mitchell
Question:109 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science his role in establishing the task force for autism in Ireland. [14855/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 109 together.
My purpose in establishing the task force on autism was to secure independent expert advice on the adequacy of my Department's current response to the educational needs of children with autism and to identify any further measures which need to be introduced to improve services for the children in question.
The task force is comprised of people with a wide range of expertise and experience in the area of autism. The members of the task force have also had the benefit of presentations from experts in the field from the US and Northern Ireland. The work of the task force will make a valuable contribution to the future development of services in the area of autism.
I expect to receive the report of the task force on autism before the end of this month.