Autistic children support dogs project expanded

THE Tanaiste pledged €500,000 yesterday to expand a national programme which uses guide dogs to help children with autism.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said the money will help the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) reach out to more than 150 families who are waiting to take part in the IGDB’s Assistance Dogs for Families of Children with Autism programme.

The scheme, which originated in Canada and which was piloted in Cork three years ago, pairs dogs who are deemed unsuitable for guide dog work with children with autism.