Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm whether there is a requirement on the National Council for Special Education to ensure that places identified by special education needs organisers are appropriate for children with autism; and if this is a requirement, who precisely makes the final decision as to whether the placement identified is appropriate for the child. [34871/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. In particular, its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level and arranges for the delivery of special educational services including the approval of special classes for children with autism. The SENOs act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify educational placements for children with special educational needs. SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children.

My Department's policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special needs assistants may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.

The SENO can identify the available placements for children but the enrolment is a matter for the parents and the individual schools.