The deputy First Minister was speaking following a visit to the site of the proposed centre in Middletown Co. Armagh, where he was accompanied by the Minister of Education Caitríona Ruane.
Mr McGuinness said: “Five years ago as Minister of Education I announced that in conjunction with the Department of Education and Science in Dublin we would press forward with this initiative.
"Whilst progress has not been as speedy as we might have wished since then, in recent months we have seen things move forward on several fronts and we are now in a position where our plans are now well on course for the doors to this much needed facility to be open by December 2008. Once operating it is planned that we will be in a position to cater for 140 placements per year, on both residential and non residential basis.
“I firmly believe that as a society we will be judged by how we provide for the most vulnerable among us. So, together with the Minister of Education it will be one of my priorities as deputy First Minister to work closely with our colleagues in the DES in Dublin to bring to fruition this physical demonstration of our determination to improve and enrich the educational opportunities for young people with autism.
“Autism recognizes no borders and in tackling it we also need to adopt an all island approach just as we should in developing our response across the range of special needs. “
Speaking during a visit to the site of the new campus, Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: “I am pleased that recent progress has been made to turn the dream of establishing a centre for excellence in the treatment of Autism into reality.
“We now have a Board of Directors and Chief Executive in place and plans are advanced for the necessary refurbishment works.
“Middletown will offer four key provisions. These include learning support; educational assessment; training and advisory, and autism research and information.
“The services that will be offered will be the best these islands have to offer. Not only will they help children with autism, but will help educators to better understand how to identify and treat the needs of this condition.”
Notes to Editors:
- The former Education Minister, Martin McGuinness announced in April 2002 the decision to establish an all island centre of excellence for children with Autism at Middletown.
- The centre was to be developed by the Department of Education and the Department of Education and Science on a North-South basis.
- This decision was agreed and endorsed by the North-South Ministerial Council.
- Purchase of the property was completed in June 2004. A revised economic appraisal was carried out and approved in July 2006.
- Appointments have been made of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr J G Cooper, Chairperson, Mr Laurence Crowley and members of the Board of Directors.
