A major new cross-border initiative will help experts gain insights into autism problems among children, it was announced today.
Education Minister Mr Noel Dempsey joined with Northern Ireland's minister responsible for the area, Mr Barry Gardiner, to announce the purchase of a site for the Middletown Centre for Autism in Co Armagh.
Mr Dempsey said: "With the acquisition of the property, work can now begin in earnest on the various elements needed to make this exciting development a reality."
"Middletown Centre for Autism will help us to gain new insights into this baffling range of developmental disorders," the Minister added.
The centre will be evenly funded between the two groups and will attempt to widen the educational opportunities of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
"When it becomes operational, the centre will promote collaboration between the education services and other professional agencies in their responses to the needs of children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders," the Meath TD added.
Autism is a developmental disorder that usually becomes apparent before the age of three.
The condition effects language, communication and behavioural skills, which means autistic children often find it difficult to interact with others.
Mr Dempsey said the custom-built facility would work alongside local services and would not be the primary referral service.
He added: "I am delighted to endorse the continuing close co-operation between the education and health agencies North and South, without which the purchase of this campus would not have been possible."
Minister Dempsey said he had taken the opportunity to discuss co-operation between the North and South on a wide range of education issues.
PA