Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
234 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received recent representations on the need to support pre-school education for children with autism; and the action she will take on foot of such representations. [30858/04]
View answerI propose to consider the general question of early childhood education for children with special educational needs, including children with autism, in the context of the measures required to facilitate the commencement of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004.
My Department has sanctioned eight pre-school classes for children with autism. In addition, eight autism facilities, some of which are providing an applied behavioural analysis model of response to children with autism, are currently operating. These facilities can cater for children with autism of pre-school age.
