Vol. 528 No. 1
382 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the newly appointed task force on autism reflects the broad spectrum of teaching methods available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29821/00]
I am satisfied that the membership of the task force in question represents a broad range of expertise and experience in the field of autism, including the range of educational models available to children suffering from this condition.
The task force has also had the benefit of meeting with experts in the field of autism from the US and Northern Ireland. It has also received submissions from a broad range of interested organisations and individuals, including submissions relating to teaching methods available for children with autism.
383 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the task force on autism will examine issues such as health and support services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29822/00]
The terms of reference of the task force on autism require that it review the range of educational provision and support services available to children with autism.
In fulfilling this remit, the task force is focusing on the full range of support services required by children with autism within the education system. These services range for specific educational inputs to a variety of important health care and therapeutic services.
