Vol. 491 No. 4
115 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science whether the plans to introduce a pilot project in Leixlip, County Kildare, for the education of children with autism are on track; the number of children for whom the service will be available; and the plans, if any, he has for further development. [12452/98]
My Department is actively engaged in ongoing discussions with schools in Leixlip with a view to developing special educational provision for children with autism in the area. I am hopeful of an early and positive outcome to these discussions. Each special class for children with autism will cater for a maximum of six pupils.
In 1995-96 my Department commenced a pilot programme of special education services for children with autism. The operation of this pilot programme is being reviewed. The outcome of the review, which is expected by the end of the current school year, will provide a basis for the development of future responses to the educational needs of children with autism.
