101 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make arrangements to have a teacher made available to assist a child (details supplied) in County Carlow with autism; or if she will arrange to provide an alternative school for this child. [17647/06]

My officials have been in contact with the National Council for Special Education which has confirmed that the pupil in question has been excluded from the school following a board of management decision taken on 26 April 2006. The pupil's parents were advised of the decision. While enrolled in the school, the pupil had access to an individual teacher, a special needs assistant, transport to the school by taxi together with an escort and computer equipment. I understand that the local Educational Welfare Officer is currently examining alternative school placement options for this child and is liaising with the parents and the local Special Educational Needs Organiser as part of this process.