Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if it will be appropriate for her Department to ensure that specific provision is made in each new primary and second level school for the accommodation of students on the autistic spectrum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18395/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established under the Education for Persons with Special Needs (EPSEN) Act to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children.

The NCSE has a key role in the delivery of services and operates through a network of special educational needs organisers (SENOs) who act as a focal point of contact for schools and parents.

The role of the SENO includes the processing of applications from schools to establish special classes for autism. The NCSE will continue to establish classes for children with autism as and where required.