Mary Wallace
Question:334 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent developments in special education where the North-Eastern Health Board disability service is advising strongly that, in line with the task force document on autism, the special autism education units in County Meath should be proactive in lobbying for dedicated therapy for their own service; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that it has been explained to parents that the changes must be brought about by April 2003 as the educational units represent one third of the case load and in an effort to bring equality to this service in order that all children with autism can access the health board service, especially those who are awaiting diagnosis; his views on the concerns of parents of children in the special autism educational units who need criteria from his Department on the provision of dedicated therapists for their service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8185/03]
