Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the availability of places or plans for children with PDD-NOS or mild to moderate autism who are currently in ADS units with mainstream primary schools students progressing to mainstream secondary schools with supports in the Dublin 6, 8 and 12 areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3937/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I have arranged for the matter raised by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The Deputy will also be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years.