Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Byrne, go dtí an Teach.

The World Health Organization estimates that one in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, but some studies have reported a figure as high as one in 59. Whatever the figures, we all know that the number of children being diagnosed with autism is continuing to rise. That is a worrying development and a statement that poses many questions.

ASD, as the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, knows, entails a wide range of symptoms, including problems and difficulties with social interaction, impaired language and communication skills, and different patterns of thought and physical behaviour. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and while many children, with support, thrive in mainstream schools, some require more targeted and specific supports in ASD units, where class numbers are small. A special class for autism has a pupil–teacher ratio of 6:1.5, and usually two special needs assistants, SNAs, are allocated to each class. I acknowledge the growth in the number of special and early intervention classes for children with autism that are attached to special and mainstream schools, as well as special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome.

I appreciate that in 2023 the expenditure on special education supports for children and young people with special educational needs and their schools was substantially in excess of €2.6 billion. That is money very well spent. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has responsibility for co-ordinating and advising on the educational provision for children with special educational needs nationwide. I understand that it has introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient mainstream special classes and special places, with more than 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level and more than 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the past three years. The Government, therefore, has been very proactive in this regard. I welcome the progress, as I am sure many do.

However, parents of children with ASD in Monaghan town have raised the lack of special classes or units in local schools. Their children have to be transported to units in rural locations some miles away, necessitating longer travelling times and longer days for children who already have many challenges. Parents want the Minister of State to explain how the development of ASD units in the county under the supervision of the NCSE has led to the largest town in the county, which has the largest schoolgoing population in the county, having no ASD unit. More important, perhaps, can he advise on a pathway forward to address this particular issue? I look forward to his response.