Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Whenever such an issue arises, I work with the Department of Education, the Minister for Education and the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, to deal with the issue. I do not know whether any specific primary schools have applied for an ASD unit. I ask the Deputy to give me further details on it. That would be the normal route. The NCSE would assess the demand in given areas and would approach schools with a view to providing ASD units. There is no issue with resourcing ASD units. A total of 269 additional special classes have been opened this year, which brings the total number of special classes nationally to a new high of 2,118 for this school year. They will provide 1,600 additional places throughout the country. The additionality is being provided. The extra classes are being opened. Schools need to apply for the ASD units. If the Deputy wants to work with us on it, there will be no issue.

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