Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Thursday, 18 April 2013

Questions (104)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

104. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 338 of 29 January 2013, if he will outline the reason that no progress has been made whatsoever in providing ASD units to mainstream schools by the NCSE at Primary Level in Limerick City, where SNOs are doing everything possible to work with limited resources, the reason the regular reply in this regard to constituents (details supplied) is provided by the NCSE when this matter is raised; if he will outline the plans for future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18206/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I previously advised the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility 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.

The Deputy will also be aware that 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.

I understand the NCSE has been in contact with the Deputy subsequent to his previous question to advise that SENOs are liaising with schools in relation to the establishment of special classes for pupils with Autism in Limerick and that parents may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs.