Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
757 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the opening of the special autism unit at a project (details supplied) in County Kildare; the reason for the delay; her proposals to address the issue; if she and her Department have been in communication with the school authority in an effort to resolve the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26446/06]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs.
The unit referred to by the Deputy which is designed to cater for up to 12 pupils was completed in 2003. Such an enrolment would attract a staffing allocation of 2 full time teachers and 4 special needs assistants.
Officials from my Department, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Health Services Executive (HSE) met with members of the Board of Management of the school on 22nd June 2006 in order to progress the opening of the unit and, since that date, the HSE has been in further contact with the school authorities.
