Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2019
122. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children on waiting lists for autism spectrum disorder or autism classes in primary and post-primary schools in Dublin 15 and nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18296/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe enrolment of a child to a school is a matter, in the first instance, for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools or keeping waiting lists.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for planning, coordinating and advising on education provision for children with special educational needs.
The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a special class and where sanctioned, there is a range of supports including funding available to the school.
The NCSE is aware of the recent demand for additional special class and special school placements in the north Dublin area.
Planning is actively underway to ensure that all children currently without a suitable placement for next year are provided with a suitable placement. Responsibility for ensuring all children have access to a suitable education is a shared responsibility.
The NCSE is leading the work in this regard with significant support from the Department.
The Council is actively engaging with all schools, school Patrons, parents, NEPS, health professionals and others who are involved in the provision of services for children with special educational needs to ensure that each child has a school placement appropriate to their needs for the 2019/20 school year.
A clearer picture regarding the demand for places will emerge in the coming weeks when Schools have finalised their enrolments.
I am confident that through the work of NCSE and the cooperation of schools and patron bodies we can address current difficulties.
