Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
344. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that an Autism spectrum disorder unit will be provided in Kildare town to meet the needs of the town's pre-school and primary school population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5805/13]
View answer345. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the case of a child (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will ensure that this child's educational needs are met as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5806/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 345 together.I have arranged for the matter raised by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children. Furthermore the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which assists parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child.The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. The Deputy will also be aware that the Health Service Executive is responsible for the provision of health supports, including therapies, to children with special educational needs.
