Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
290. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the location of an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit in a school (details supplied) and-or another school in accordance with section 8 of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18775/19]
View answerI want to assure the Deputy and Parents that concerns regarding a shortage of appropriate school places for next September are being taken very seriously.
My Department Officials and the NCSE are actively engaging with local schools and school patron bodies to address this urgent and important issue.
Ensuring that every child has a suitable placement available to them from September is a key priority for me and my Department.
With regard to the schools referenced by the Deputy, my officials have advised me that the plans for both schools have been reconfigured to allow for the possible addition of a special classes on the site after the initial building work has been completed.
