Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 July 2013
86. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Louth has proposed to integrate an autism unit into its school and that a prefabricated building has been in place for some time; the reason the service has not yet been established in this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32309/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) engaged with County Louth VEC during the 2011/2012 school year with a view to establishing an autism unit at one of its post-primary schools in Louth. The VEC, in collaboration with the NCSE, identified the school concerned as being suitable for the establishment of such a unit.
The NCSE recommended that an autism unit would be established at the school in question to commence in January 2013. My Department sanctioned temporary accommodation for this unit on that basis. The NCSE has since advised that the ASD class did not go ahead because the anticipated demand did not materialise. I understand that it is the NCSE's intention to keep the matter under review in the context of any emerging need.
