The pupil in question is currently in receipt of five hours resource teaching per week together with special needs assistant support in the school referred to by the Deputy. I understand that he is awaiting a placement in a special class for pupils with autism in the area. There are currently ten special classes for children with autistic spectrum disorder operating in primary schools in the Kildare area at a pupil teacher ratio of six to one. My Department also provides funding for the Saplings project, a facility sanctioned on a pilot basis which uses applied behavioural analysis methodologies for children with autism. A total of 30 children are currently enrolled in this facility. In addition, my Department is currently liaising with a primary school in the Kildare area regarding the establishment of two additional special classes for pupils with autism.
It is my intention that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs.