HC Deb 13 May 2003 vol 405 cc187-8W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to create a residential facility for young people suffering from autistic spectrum disorders in Northern Ireland. [111410]

Jane Kennedy

Plans are currently being developed for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Autism at the former St. Joseph's Training School at Middletown, Co. Armagh. This is an initiative between the Department of Education and the Department of Education and Science and the aim of the Centre is to promote excellence in the education of children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders throughout Ireland.

The developing aims of the Centre include an Individual Learning Centre, which will provide an exemplar of good practice in assessment and educational intervention, training of parents and professionals, a research facility and a teaching and outreach support service. The Centre will complement and support, rather

Award scheme title Scope Results due date Simultaneous notification
Awards in 2001
The Cash Grant Awards Scheme To enable individuals or groups to carry out practical projects which will result in better care for health and social services users April/May 2001 Yes
Diversity 21 Awards To recognise and celebrate the diverse interests and cultures in Northern Ireland at the beginning of the 21st century 29 May 2001 Yes
Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Awards 2000 Encouraging NI companies to export June 2001 Yes
DARD Rose Award Best cluster of flowered rose at Belfast City Rose Trials July 2001 Yes
National Training Awards The National Training Awards competition is open to all individuals, companies and organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors 15 September 2001 to 13 November 2001 No
The HPSS Quality Awards To recognise, reward and promote excellence in the provision of health and social care within the Health and Personal Social Services November 2001 Yes
Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Environmental Awards Scheme Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland November 2001 Yes
Beacon Awards The Association of Colleges in England and Wales administers the Beacon Awards programme. Beacon Awards are also open to Northern Ireland Further Education (FE) colleges. The awards are designed to promote the interdependence of FE colleges and business, professional and voluntary organisations to their mutual advantage December 2001 Yes
Food From Britain Export Awards: Northern Irish Exporter of the Year To celebrate the success of companies operating in international markets December 2001 Yes
NI Quality Award Public, private and voluntary sector organisations January 2002 No
Steps to Excellence Public and voluntary sector organisations January 2002 No
NI Quality Award Public, private and voluntary sector organisations January 2002 No
Steps to Excellence Public and voluntary sector organisations January 2002 No
All Ireland Garden Centre of the Year Awards Best Garden Centre February 2002 Yes
Best Developing Garden Centre Awards Most Improved Garden Centre February 2002 Yes
Awards in 2002
The Cash Grants Awards Scheme To enable individuals or groups to carry out practical projects which will result in better care for health and social services users April/May 2002 Yes
Diversity 21 Awards To recognise and celebrate the diverse interests and cultures in Northern Ireland at the beginning of the 21st century 11 June 2002 Yes
DARD Rose Award Best cluster of flowered rose at Belfast City Rose Trials July 2002 Yes
National Training Awards The National Training Awards competition is open to all individuals, companies and organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors 13 September 2002 to 5 November 2002 No
Development Farmer of the Year Significant Development in grass-based enterprises and establishment of a viable diversified enterprise September 2002 Yes
Northern Ireland Food and Drinks Awards: Supply Chain Excellence Award To recognise the creation or improvement of supply chain linkages that deliver clear benefits to producers October 2002 Yes

than replace, current and developing service provision. The Centre will offer residential accommodation for up to twenty children and young people who would attend the Learning Centre for short-term support.

The progress of the development is subject to the successful completion of purchase arrangements of the site.

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