Middletown Autism Centre moving ahead – Ruane

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has said that an updated plan for future development of the Middletown Autism Centre will go ahead as soon as possible.

The Minister was speaking after the Department for Education and Science in the south confirmed that they had lifted the pause on capital funding for Middletown.

The Minister said: “Middletown is a joint north–south initiative and I welcome the announcement that funding will now be available from the Department for Education and Science to move ahead with a new phased development plan. Funding from my Department continued to be available to Middletown during the year and this important project has already provided training to hundreds of professionals.

“A new phased multi-annual plan for the future development of the Centre will be developed in conjunction with the Board and will take account of international best practice and the development of autism services on the island of Ireland since the Centre was established. Middletown will be dedicated to improving and enriching the educational opportunities of children and young people with autism.”

Notes to editors:

1. The announcement on Middletown was made following the plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council.

2. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.