Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Naughten for raising the important issue of the establishment of an early intervention ASD class in St. Teresa's special school, Ballinasloe. The Deputy has a long-standing interest in disability and looks out for the special educational needs of children in his constituency and beyond. The former Senator, Maura Hopkins, has spoken to me about this issue as well.

The Government is deeply conscious of the worry facing some families in finding suitable accommodation and school places for their children who have special needs. Ensuring that every child has a school place is a priority for the Government, and we have taken a number of actions to achieve this. Where the NCSE identifies the requirement for an ASD early intervention class in an area, the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will consider all schools in the area with a view to establishing the class. Early intervention classes are not generally established within special schools but there are some exceptions in various places in the country. I am informed that the school in question does not have the physical space to accommodate an early intervention class in the existing school building. Eight children have been identified by the school, however, and some of them are not yet of an age to enrol in early intervention classes at only three years old.

In establishing any special class, the NCSE reviews the current and expected future demand for classes. It has advised the school that it will explore the potential to establish an early intervention class with the school in the near future, but that might not be this school year. The NCSE will continue to engage with and advise the school and the local SENO is available to assist and talk to the parents of children with special educational needs about their options.

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