Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2019
237. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) will be given an appropriate autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit for the senior cycle of primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23448/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) has no ASD unit for those in the senior cycle in view of the evident need for one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23449/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for organising and planning provision for children with Special Educational Needs, including the establishment of special classes in mainstream primary and post primary schools.
Since 2011, the NCSE has increased the number of special classes from 548 in 2011 to 1,459 for the 2018/19 school year. 1,196 of these are ASD special classes.
Parents/guardians who may need advice or are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement should contact their local SENO who can assist in identifying an appropriate educational placement for their child. Contact details are available on www.ncse.ie.
As the matter raised by the Deputy refers to a particular child, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to the National Council for Special Education for their attention and direct reply.
