Unit for autistic children in danger of closing

A UNIT for autistic children is in danger of closing just six months after it opened because the Department of Education has failed to sanction a permanent teaching post.

Special needs teacher Dee Hogan was employed on a temporary full-time basis to run the unit at Boher National School, Ballina, Co Tipperary, when it opened last December.

However, because her position is not permanent, Ms Hogan has been forced to consider alternative job offers. School principal, Úna Kennedy, said if Ms Hogan leaves, the unit will close.