Vol. 531 No. 3
418 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 915 of 7 November 2000, he will confirm that the two outreach classes for autistic children at Lucan Educate Together National School are now fully staffed, approved and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5453/01]
My Department has sanctioned the establishment of two special classes for pupils with autism in the Lucan Educate Together School. Two permanent teacher posts and two special needs assistant posts have already been allocated to the school to facilitate this development. In addition, arrangements are being made to allocate a further two special needs assistant posts to the school in line with my decision to double the level of such support available to every class catering for children with autism.
The special classes in question were originally due to become operational in January 2001. However, I understand that the commencement date has had to be postponed due to a range of factors. These included difficulties experienced by the board of management in securing the services of a suitable teacher for one of the special classes. I understand that the school authorities are continuing their efforts to recruit a suitable teacher. I also understand that work on a planned new building to accommodate the Lucan Educate Together School necessitated the opening of a second entrance at the site and that this has delayed the opening of the new special classes. I am hopeful that these matters will be resolved in the near future.
Question No. 419 answered with Question No. 410.
