Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Mattie McGrath for his question. He covered quite a number of schools in Tipperary. It is clear that this is an important issue for parents and guardians of children with special needs. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, has made quite a number of changes in respect of the way in which we are examining this matter. For instance, last year more than €1.5 billion was spent on special needs education for children throughout the country, which is a significant proportion of the education budget for this year. I say to Deputy McGrath and to the parents that the local SENO will assist parents in finding placements for their children. Further, the number of ASD classes has increased from more than 500 to more than 1,000 to meet the growing demand since 2011. The Minister of Education and Skills is very much aware of the issues and the Department will continue in its efforts. The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 allows the National Council for Special Education to oblige a school to accept a student with special needs. That is an important matter for the Deputy to discuss with parents. The Bill is currently before the Dáil and a further extension of the power will be considered when the Bill goes to Committee Stage.

Deputy Mattie McGrath has some positive news for parents of children with special needs and I am sure the Minister will regard the Deputy's comments as being a priority for the area.

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