Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas where there is an identified need. The NCSE, in looking to open special classes, must take into account the current and future potential need for such classes, taking particular account of the educational needs of the children concerned. The NCSE will also take account of location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas.

Since 2011, the NCSE has increased the number of special classes by over 100%, from 548 in 2011 to 1,152 across the country now, of which 887 are autism spectrum disorder, ASD, special classes. The NCSE will establish an additional 145 ASD special classes for the coming school year, increasing the number of ASD special classes to 1,032. While it is not always possible to ensure that a special class placement will be available in the child’s local area, the NCSE has informed my Department that, in general, it is satisfied there are sufficient ASD special class placements to meet existing demand.

As the Deputy knows, given that this was raised by Deputy Thomas Byrne and others, we are planning to introduce a Report Stage amendment to the admissions Bill, which will provide, based on reports from the NCSE, that there will be a power to direct schools to open a special classes, if necessary. As this power will require a school to provide land or alter existing property, I am of the view that the power should be with the Minister who can engage the patron or trustees and that there should be adequate safeguards to ensure people’s rights are protected.

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