Autism centre becomes latest victim of spending cuts

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe is expected to face pressure today to reverse the Government's withdrawal of funding for an autism centre in Co Armagh.

Mr O'Keeffe will be meeting his Stormont counterpart, Caitriona Ruane, during a North-South Ministerial Council gathering at the Centre of Excellence for Autism on the Armagh-Monaghan border.

Ms Ruane has expressed anger about the Irish Government's decision to withdraw funding for the cross-border project due to the collapse in the public finances.

The centre would provide specialist care for around 20 children with autism and their families.