Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
73. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the work of his Department in conjunction with the National Council for Special Education in producing a consistent national policy on the education of children with autism. [29230/14]
View answerLast year, at my request, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) commenced preparation of policy advice on the education of children with autism. The advice will be delivered in the spring of 2015 and will draw upon findings gathered from the extensive consultation process with parents, schools, professional service providers and other stakeholders which has already commenced and which is ongoing. The advice will also draw upon new research commissioned by the NCSE for this purpose, as well as any other research which may be available and which the NCSE may wish to consideration. The research commissioned by NCSE is currently under review. I would encourage all interested parties to contribute to the on-going consultation process for the policy advice. I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.
