Mr. Dalton Tattan:

Deputy Catherine Martin asked about the soft barriers schools might use in admissions, the use of standardised testing and the use of annual reports. Our desire is that we would use that as way of linking that to better educational outcomes. On the ASD report she asked about a definition for autism. She also asked how we can ensure that the curriculum is appropriate to the needs of those in mainstream who have ASD.

Deputy Nolan spoke about the continuing gaps, the restoration of the 15% on the research teacher hours, the continuing need for assessments, IEPs, the EPSEN Act and the experience of Irish-medium schools in the plot.

Senator Gallagher asked if class size could be an impediment to identifying children with special needs in rural schools.

Senator Kelleher talked about our links with the health sector on "Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People". She also asked about the adult services piece.

I will ask Mr. Mulkerrins to deal with the issues relating to the Department. There are also some NCSE issues there.