Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014
286. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way a student (details supplied) in County Kildare can gain access to an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit in a second level school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23096/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will 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.
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.
The NCSE is currently planning, through its local network of SENOS, for special class settings for children who cannot be educated in a mainstream class setting but who can still attend their local school in a special class with a lower pupil–teacher ratio. SENOs have been working with local schools on a national basis over the past number of months to plan and establish special classes for children with SEN who require such placements for 2014/2015.
I referred your query to the NCSE with particular reference to the establishment of places for the coming school year. I am informed that the local SENOs and the Senior SENO for the area have been in contact with the parents of the child in question. The NCSE has been engaging with the post primary schools in Kildare and Newbridge regarding opening ASD classes. This work is ongoing in Kildare and SENOs continue to liaise and work with schools in order to meet the demand for such placements at local level.
Kildare Town Community School is a new school that arose from an amalgamation of three post Primary schools in the locality. This school has a Special Needs Unit incorporated into the build which provides dedicated space for 2 ASD classes. One class has been established and it was part of local planning by SENOs that the second class would open to meet identified demand. Discussions are ongoing at present with the school in relation to opening the second class.
The need for further special provision at post primary level for 2015 and onwards is being kept under review.
