I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
The NCSE have advised that ASD classes are organised to address the specific needs of students with ASD. Currently, only students with a specific diagnosis of ASD are eligible for admittance to ASD classes and the NCSE are unaware of children with other diagnoses enrolling in ASD classes. There is no planned provision for admittance to ASD classes without a corresponding professional report and diagnosis.
Specific educational supports being made available is a matter for each individual school. Parents are advised to speak with the Principal of the school in relation to what supports will be available for each student. Parents may also contact their local SENO who will be available to offer further advice and assistance specific to needs of each student, contact details are available on www.ncse.ie
Schools may apply to the NCSE for additionality where they can demonstrate that the current allocation does not meet additional care needs within the mainstream or other special classes in the school. Applications for additionality arising from significant new or emerging additional care needs, which cannot be catered within existing allocations, will continue to be dealt with by way of an exceptional review process, the details of which can be found on the NCSE website: https://ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review
The NCSE is actively planning for an increasing demand for special classes on a national basis. As the school population increases over the coming years, so too will demand for special classes.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
