Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The response gives me an update on the figures but it still points out a concerning ratio in the provision of ASD places from primary versus secondary school. In Cork, we are now at 228 at primary level and 81 at post-primary level. There is, therefore, still almost that 3:1 ratio of ASD provision from primary versus secondary, particularly in Cork where the pinch point is. It is when kids are transitioning from primary to secondary level that parents are finding it extremely difficult to get access to ASD places and ASD classes.

With regard to the responsibility of the NCSE for co-ordinating and advising on education provision, as I said, it is quite clear that every unit in suburban Cork is full. It might be anecdotal evidence but it is quite clear to any Teachta Dála from Cork who is approached by parents. We have parents driving or sending their kids on minibuses, often for 30 to 40 minutes and up to an hour. Kids are not getting that provision in their own locality as should be their right.

Without naming schools, I can give examples or large towns where there are three secondary schools and only one school is providing ASD classes. In one case, the other two schools have never bothered. Whether that is an issue over snobbery and not wanting to run an ASD class or whatever the case may be, those are the facts. As long as we allow that discretion for secondary schools and boards of management, that difficulty is going to remain.

I ask again that the Minister give further consideration not only to her own powers under section 37A, but to strengthen the role of the NCSE and get it to directly intervene. Even looking at the demography of Cork, the population growth is quite apparent. From the city centre east to Youghal, there is not one ASD place at the moment. I think there was one last year in St. Aidan's, Ballyvolane but those figures are outdated now. That was the only place between the city centre east as far as Youghal. That is almost 40 km. That is the stark picture and that requires urgent action. I acknowledge that good progress is being made on a new special education site in Glanmire. I know it is at a sensitive commercial stage but, again, there is progress on that issue and that is giving us hope as well.

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