The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, today officially opened the Drogheda ABACAS Special School for Children with Autism, Co Louth.
Speaking at the school, Minister Quinn said how pleased he was to have been invited.
"It is the aim of ABACAS that every child who comes to the school will be individually assisted to make the maximum gains possible, with individual plans being drawn up for each one in their education.
"The combination of teaching expertise and the work of behaviour analysts is aimed to maximise opportunities for the children at the school, and the aim of the school is to become a centre of excellence in the local community, working with other schools in the locale to support children with Autism.
"I want to acknowledge the huge support from families and friends that helps to make the school what it is, and to assist in the expansion of the activities made available to all who attend the school," said the Minister.
The school has recently expanded into making horse-riding and surfboarding available to its pupils, and this area will assist further in extending their experience and confidence.
Minister Quinn also acknowledged the sterling work which has been done over the past few years by the leaders of the project, the teachers, the parents and the department officials, to bring this venture to fruition.
"Much professional dedication and commitment is reflected in the school that we are opening today and I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved since the inception of the ABACAS project, " said the Minister.
Earlier in the day, Minister Quinn visited St Oliver's Community College in Drogheda.
He was accompanied on the schools visits by Labour TD for Louth, Gerald Nash.
Welcoming the Minister to his home town of Drogheda, Deputy Nash said "I am particularly pleased that the Minister has decided to invest in building works in an additional 11 schools in Louth under the Jobs Initiative announced last week.
"This is good news for the schools involved and the local construction sector."