Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2016
150. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is aware of the shortage of autism spectrum disorder special second level classes in County Cork; his plans to provide additional classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18452/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the policy of my Department is that children with special educational needs, including children with autism, should be included where possible and appropriate in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. In circumstances where children with Special Educational Needs require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available.
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 currently liaising with schools in Cork City and County regarding the establishment of classes for the 2016/17 school year.
The NCSE has advised that for the coming school year there will be an additional 7 new ASD classes in Cork City and County, bringing the total number of ASD classes to 41 at post primary level in mainstream schools in Cork city and County. Each post primary special class for autism has a 6:1.5 pupil-teacher ratio. A full list of special classes is available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.
The enrolment of a child to a school is a matter, in the first instance, for the parent of the child and the Board of Management of a school. The NCSE have advised that places are available in some of the new classes and any parent who has concerns about a place for their child for September should contact their local SENO as soon as possible for information on available places.
