Vol. 525 No. 2
915 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond urgently to the submission form Lucan Educate Together national school regarding the setting up of Outreach classes for children with autism; and if he will confirm permanent sanction for this initiative and direct his Department to fully comply with requirement of four classroom assistants for the two classes. [24663/00]
My Department recently sanctioned the establishment of two special classes for pupils with autism in the Lucan Educate Together school. I understand that the classes will be operational in January 2001.
Each class will cater for a maximum of six pupils. Two permanent teaching posts and two permanent special needs assistant posts have already been sanctioned by my Department for the classes.
I recently announced my decision to double the level of special needs assistant support provided to each special class catering for children with autism. In keeping with this decision, arrangements are currently being made in my Department to provide two additional special needs assistant posts to the school in question.
