Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Brien for his question. The National Council for Special Education, through its network of local special educational needs organisers, 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 has advised that it is aware of a growing need for post-primary provision for pupils with special educational needs in Cork and is actively liaising with schools in the area. I have been advised that the NCSE has not been informed by the schools in question of all of the issues raised by the Deputy. Clearly, if a school has concerns about the availability of supports for children with autism, the matter should be raised with the NCSE in the first instance. I have asked the NCSE to establish the position on the matter for me and to provide an update for the Deputy accordingly.

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