Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the refusal to grant an additional preschool teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the cost to the State of providing such a preschool teacher for a fixed period of one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28712/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including the approval of special classes for autism. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I understand that the NCSE is currently engaging with the school in question in relation to staffing levels and the approval of an additional class for children with autism. I have arranged for the information requested by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply. The annual cost of a pre school teacher is approximately sixty thousand euro per annum.