Tánaiste opens Autism Unit in Meán Scoil an Chlochair, Kilbeggan

The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, today (Tuesday 8th June, 2010) opened a new state of the art  Autism Unit in Meán Scoil an Chlochair, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.

The new unit , which was built at a cost of  €100,000 and funded by the Department of Education and Skills, will make an enormous difference to the lives of the pupils who attend.

The unit currently caters for two children and has a staffing allocation of 1.5 teaching posts and one SNA post.

Meán Scoil an Chlochair school has an enrolment of almost 400 students. 
 
Speaking to pupils, teachers, and parents at the opening of the Unit, the Tánaiste said: 'I am delighted to be here today to join in the celebrations at the opening of your new Autism Unit.’

'This is an important development for the school which has established a reputation as a vibrant and inclusive school.'

'It provides a strong basis for the development of this important educational service to a most deserving group of young people and their parents.' 

'The opening of the new unit will also provide opportunities for the children to meet with each other, integrate where possible and to develop links that will extend into the wider community.'

The Tánaiste spoke about the need for children with autism to have access to a wide range of approaches to meet their individual needs.

'This Government is determined to ensure that all children get the support they need to reach their full potential and to ensure that children with autism have access to a broad range of approaches to meet their educational needs.'

Last year the Department of Education and Skills spent over €1 billion on education provision for children with special needs- almost one-ninth of the entire education budget.

Teacher training has been rolled out in key autism-specific interventions to ensure a diverse knowledge

• Over 3,000 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder-ASD are supported in mainstream placements

• A further 2,376 autism specific places are available in more than 395 special classes in mainstream or special schools
• Home tuition is provided as early intervention for pre-school children or where children cannot access an appropriate placement
• There is a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants. Extra assistants are provided where the children need them.

The Tanaiste said that ensuring that children with special educational needs can access an education that was appropriate to their needs continues to be a key priority for the Government.

'The record of this Government in the area of special education is one of action.'

'We have greatly expanded the level of resourcing for pupils with special needs.'

'We have put important structures in place through the establishment of the National Council for Special Education, which is working effectively and has speeded up the delivery of services to pupils with special needs, their parents and schools.' 

The Tánaiste congratulated all involved in bringing the new Unit to fruition, the students at the school, along with their families,school principal Garreth Farrell, the teachers, staff and special needs assistants and wished them success for the future.