429 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide funding to purchase equipment for a sensory room for autistic children in a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40027/06]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that funding is available for the purchase of equipment in sensory rooms for children with autism. In relation to the school in question, my Department issued a once-off Start-Up Equipment Grant to the school when the Autistic Unit was originally set up.More recently, officials in my Department have been in contact with the school regarding the acquisition of equipment for the sensory room.