Vol. 496 No. 7
156 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will set up a unit in the autistic spectrum for Monaghan in view of the fact that this was promised some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23994/98]
The provision of educational services to children with autism is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, is currently in the process of establishing special classes for children with autism in the North-Eastern Health Board region.
The North-Eastern Health Board is working to provide health related support services to the educational services provided for these children. The board is currently establishing a multi-disciplinary team to provide diagnostic, assessment and out-reach support services for children with autism where special classes are being established. This core team will work closely with the board's existing multi-disciplinary personnel, the parents and the teaching staff working with these children. It is the board's intention to further enhance services for children with autism in the Cavan-Monaghan region in tandem with the development of educational services for these children.
