Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
229. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to have a third autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit provided at a school (details supplied) for the 2019-20 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6310/19]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, including Autism, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
There are 5 special schools and 49 special classes attached to mainstream schools in Co. Limerick. Of these, 5 are ASD early intervention classes, 22 are primary ASD classes and 14 are post-primary ASD classes. The number of ASD special classes in Co. Limerick has increased from 2 in 2013/2014 to 41 in 2018/2019. Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available by county on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.
Schools may apply to the NCSE to open a special class where a need has been identified in their area i.e. a number of students have professional reports indicating they require the support of a special class.
The local SENO, in looking to open special classes, must take into account the present and future potential need for such classes, taking particular account of the educational needs of the children concerned. The local SENO will also take account of location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas.
In addition, the local SENO will consider:
- the school’s accommodation and accessibility and
- the number of special classes, if any, already in the school.
The decision to sanction a special class in a specific school is a matter for the NCSE local SENO. My Department has no role in making such determinations.
The NCSE has informed my Department that the local SENO is satisfied that there are currently sufficient special class placements available to meet identified in the area referred to by the Deputy.
Should the NCSE identify the requirement for an additional ASD special class in the area the local SENO will consider all schools in the area in relation to establishing an ASD special class.
