Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 6

Written Answers. - Autism Services.

Mary Wallace

Question:

124 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the group called Abhaile and the fact that it intends to set up a CABAS school in Meath-Louth to cater for 18 children with autism (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school is due to open in early 2003 and that to date there is a shortfall of ?130,000 in the amount offered by his Department to the funding required for the school; and if this position can be rectified as a matter of urgency in order to allow the school to proceed. [26919/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I am aware of the group in question and its proposal to establish a CABAS school to cater for children with autism in the Meath-Louth area.

Officials of my Department have met representatives of the group in question and outlined the Department's requirements in relation to the funding of such projects. The key issues related to the need to provide my Department with up to date assessment reports on each of the children involved and the need to provide a detailed budget setting out the proposed costings involved.

My Department subsequently issued a detailed response to funding proposals put forward by the group. The response in question set out the Department's funding proposals across a range of issues and sought further information in relation to some of the proposed cost headings.

Arising from my Department's response, the group has sought a further meeting with my Department. Arrangements will be made to hold this meeting early in the new year.

Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 120.